THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 1908. "ALDINE" LITERATURE AND JUVENILE CRIME.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9041, 6 March 1908, Page 4

THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 1908. "ALDINE" LITERATURE AND JUVENILE CRIME.

Once again the association of literature of the stamp issued by the Aldine Publishing Company with juvenile crime has been prominently I brought under the notice of the public. Three lads—one of them but thirteen years of age—were on Tuesday last brought before the Supreme Court at Napier, and pleaded guilty to eight charges of breaking and entering and theft. On behalf of these juvenile offenders it was stated that their minds had been poisoned by reading "penny horribles." Upon this Mr Justice Cooper launched out in bitter invective against the publishers of literature of the character mentioned, and also against those who sold it to boys. His Honour said:—"l should like to have the power to call before me the man who sold these books, and I would like to have the power to send that man to gaol. We have made provision in our legislation to prohibit the sale of obscene and indecent literature, but this elass of literature is just as bad. The company, the Aldine Publishing Company, deserves to be pilloried, and I see that it publishes the 'Dick Turpin Library,' the 'Jack Shepherd Library,' and the 'Claude Duval Library.' These were three highwaymen and notorious criminals, whose careers have been interpreted in these books as those of men whom boys are desired to emulate. I regret that the law at the present tirms does not bring these publishers within its meshes. 1 wish that it did, and that this literature could bo stopped. I wish I knew the men who sold this literature to these boys. I would say something to them that if they had

any sense of shame at all they would prevent the further dissemination of this class of literature for the sake of a few paltry pence. The crimes that have been committed by these boys are due to this literature." Mr Justice Cooper is within his rights in condemning the sale of books of the "penny dreadful" character for the delectation of the youth if he thinks such literature tends to manufacture youthful criminals, but it has not yet been shown that the reading of these Aldine publications has resulted, or is likely to result, in demoralising the youth of the country to any appreciable extent. One swallow does not make a summer, nor do two or three instances of juvenile depravity, alleged to be due to the perusal of fiction such as that complained of, demonstrate that such literature must necessarily produce criminal tendencies. If the Government decided to interdict the importation of works such as Mr Justice Cooper refers to, it would soon be faced with many difficulties, for'there is much even in standard works which may be held to be undesirable for youthful perusal, and certainly Sir Walter Scott and Bulvver Lytton among many other famous novelists who have founded works upon the lives of outlaws and criminals, would have to be included in tlielindex expurgatorius with the "Aldine series." Youthful depravity is largely the result of parental neglect or parental incompetence in the upbringing of children. Precept and example and proper home training would do much to render innocuous such literature as the Aldine series, or any other literature which has objectionable features about it. The remedy for juvenile crime lies far deeper than the exclusion of any form of literature. It lies to a great extent in the instilment into the hearts and minds of the young folks of an appreciation of what is good and bad in their general conduct, and the inculcation of high and noble ideals. Books, whatever their character, would do little damage to children so instructed.

LOCAL AND GENERAL. The latest return from the Mystery Plat dredge is sGoz lOdwt for ]36 hours.

During last month the average attendance at the Eketabuna School was 100 out of a roll number of 110. .

During the month of February thsre were four births, two marriages and one death in Featherston.

Mr W. G. Lamb's Tararua vineyard is looking very fine just now, the grapes being almost ready for packing. The vintage will open in a week or so.

A Maori defendant, in a judgment summons case at Masterton, yesterday, told the Magistrate seriously that since November last he had earned ''nine quid." A meeting of the General Committee in connection with the Anniversary Day Aquatic Carnival is to be held to-night, when a report and balance-sheet is to be presented.

The number of applications received so far by the Commissioner of Crown Lands (Mr J. Strauchan) in this district for grass seed to sow on burnt areas numbers over 150.

Last evening the following delegates arrived for the U.F. B.A. Conference: —Captain Mitchell (Dunedin City), Secretary Gilberd (Napier), Sub-Superintendent Wildish and Fireman Lapridge (Gisborne). The executive meets this morning to draw up its report for the Conference.

The weather in Masterton, yesterday, wore an encouraging aspect, and several light showers which fell at intervals during the day will do considerable good to pastures. The air was much cooler than has been the case for a. long time past, and was a pleasant change from the sultry days which have been the daily dispensation of a prolonged summer.

At a meeting of the Carterton Fire Brigade, held on Wednesday evening, ii was reported that five medals had been presented to the Brigade for competition, writes our correspondent. The members of the U.F.B.A. will be entertained by the Carterton Brigade on their visit to the town on Tuesday next. The holding of an art union in connection with the forthcoming bazaar has been approved of by the Minister of Internal Affairs.

A local servants' registry officekeeper recaived a mild shock yesterday, when a stalwart young halfcaste with a blushing damsel on his arm, climbed the stairs leading to the labour suppliers' sanctum, and demanded a marriage license. "But we don't keep them !" gently replied the bureau proprietor. "What! isn't this the registry office where people get married?" "No," was thereply, "this is only the registry office where we require couples after they ai'3 married." The couple were directed to the Postmaster's habitat.

At the annual meeting of the Wairarapa Rifle Association the following officers were elected for the ensuing year:-—Patron, Mr J. 0. Bidwill; president, Mr W. C. Buchanan; vice-presidents, Major Tate, Major Donald, Messrs A. Matthews, W. E. Bidwill, John Martin, J. D. Cruickshank, A. P. Martin, H. Morison, T. Kennedy, W. J. Welch, fraia te Whaiti,' W. Ballinger, F. J. Lessington, F. W. Williams; range officers, Major Tate, Captain Skey, Captain Jury, Messrs A. Matthews, H. Walden, It. Burch, J. 0. Bidwill; executive committee, Major Tate, Messrs T. Benton. B. Burch, W. Brunton, J. 0. Bidwill, H. Walden, W. Feast, Captain Charters; council, captains Hobbs, Nelson and Jury, Messrs Neville Willoughby, 11. Barrer, W. Speedy, R. J. King, J. Burns, F. W. Williams, W. Ballinger, A. Matthews, W. J. Welch, J. B. Bairstow.

Mr C. I<\ 1?. Livesay, Architect; of Wot lington, lms moved to more convenient rooms in the National Mutual Chambers, Customhouse Quay, (adjoining the Head Ofiice of tliu Bank of N.Z.) Address— P.O. ]]ox 771. Telephone 2G92.

Fairly heavy rain fell at Carterton yesterday afternoon. The recent hush fires around Featherston have done a. considerable amount of damage. Mr Davidson had all his fences destroyed, and also a large quantity of firewood, which had been split ready to cart away. Amongst other settlers who lost heavily are Messrs O'Neale, Barton, Donald, Lucas, Kelly, Philip and J. Viles.

A special meeting of the Wellington Land Board was held yesterday to consider the question of granting some relief to the Tawaha settlers (near Martinborough), who suffered very much from floods last year, and this season experienced the worst effects of the drought. Mr J. T. M. Hornsby addressed the Board, and explained the needs of the settlers concerned. He suggested that under section 53 of the Land Act of 1900 a remission might be made of twelve months' rent. He further suggested that a contract for road-making might be let to the settler?. In this way they could help themselves over their present difficulties. The Board received the request sympathetically, nad promised to make a recommendation to the Minister.

The death occurred early yesterday morning of the well-known thor-, oughbred stallion Porirua, belonging to Mr C. McCulloch, of Upper Plain, the cause of death being aneurism of the mesenteric artery produced by the strongylus armatus, or the worm armed strongyle. Porirua was a beautifully proportioned chestnut horse, standing over 16 hands high, his sire being Seaton Delaval, the noted racer, whose progeny have been successful in New Zealand. Porirua won more in stakes as a two-year-old than any other horse of his age that season, and landed to his credit the Hastings Stakes, Northern Champagne and North Island Challenge, Stakes, beating Cruciform at weight for age. He was a close blood relation to that grand performer Achilles, and his death is regarded by breeders as a very serious loss to the district. He had only been a comparatively short time in the district, being purchased just prior to the opening of the season. He won first prize at Masterton Show in the 'horoughbred class, the judge making very complimentary remarks concerning him. The disease which killed Porirua is not a common complaint, and is generally found among horses fed on old pastures. The worm strongylus causes death of a part of the bowel, and the animal succumbs from such after suffering iro'm extreme exhaustion.

A reward is offered for the recovery of a black and tan collie.

New boots for men's winter wear are to hand at Mr J. Carpenter's central boot warehouse.

Mr J. R Nicol advertises partial lars of a number of farm properties which have been placed in his hands for sale.

A line of sheep is added to their Masterton stock sale by <he New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Co., Ltd.

The ladies of Masterton are invited to see the caslight display of new season's millinery and dress goods which will be made by Messrs J. Graham and Co. this evening.

Twenty ladies are advertised for in oivr wanted column to collect on behalf of Ambulance Saturday. Mr A. J. Par ton, hon. sec, or Alex. Donald, superintendent, will be pleased to receive applications from any ladies interested in this noble work.

Particulars of a freehold property of 1,400 acres, near Cambridge, Waikato, are advertised by Mr W. Bruce, Wanganui. Mr Bruce has also on his list several good town and suburban properties that will prove good investments to speculators.

A 664-acre uroperty (L.1.P)., is elsewhere advertised for sale by Messrs Longdill and Co., land and estate agents, of Taihape. The property is situated 19 miles from Te Kuiti. and is thoroughly up-to-date and a bargain. Pull particulars will be forwarded to anyone on application to the firm.'

On Saturday w.xi, at Ihe Masterton auction mart, Bannister street, Mr J. R. Nicol will sell on account of Mr J. T. Johnston, of Weraiti, who is leaving Masterton, his furniture and effects, particulars of which are advertised on page S of this morning's issue. The sale will be absolutely without reserve, as everything must be sold during the afternoon.

Mr P. Hamill's half-yearly sale will close to-morrow, and those whoi are in search of bargains that represent a solid saving in money, would do well to call and see for themselves the selection uffered. Everything has been reduced and those contemplating the purchase of good lines at reduced prices should make the most of the last two days of the sale.

At "Tattersalls," Hawera, tomorrow, the famous Hirstlands Estate,* of 1,300 acres of first-class land, situated close to the township of Normanby, will be offered for sale by public auction. The property has been subdivided into farms, varying from 20 acres to 81 acres, and in addition there are 12 allotments in the township of Nnrmanby. Full particulars of the property will be found on page 8 of this issue, and plans can be obtained from any of the offices of the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Co., Ltd.

TWO SOVEREIGN REMEDIES. THE FAMOUS SANDER AND SONS PURE VOLATILE EUCALYPTI EXTRACT was proved by exports of the Supreme Court of Victoria to posses curative properties peculiarly its own, and to be absolutely safe, effective and reliable. 'Therefore do not ajjgrcvato your complaint by the use of ono of the many crude cxcalyptus oils which are now palmed off as "Extracts," and from the use of which a death was reported recently, but insist upon the GENUINE SANDER & SONS'EUCALYPTI EXTRACT, and reject all others. For wrinkles, sunburn, pimples, blackheads, freckles, cracked hands, drv and inflamed skin, use SANDER & SONS' SUPERUA SKTN FOOD. No lady should be without it. Allays irritation, produces a clear and spotless complexion, and a smooth and supple skin. REMEMUER that SANDER & SONS' SUPER!*A SKIN FOOD is not an ordinary face cream, and unlike any of them, produces a permanent beautifying effect. All chemists and stores.

Heavy rain fell in the Woodville district on Wednesday night, and the country around is beginning to look green.

9 The tender of Messrs J. and R. Scott, of Dunedin, at £7,546 9s, has been accepted by the Martinborough Town Board for the high pressure water supply scheme for that town.

About 8.30 o'clock on Wednesday night a house at Pahiatua, owned by Mr Frank Fulcher, and occupied by Mr J. Simpson, was burned down, despite the efforts of the Fire Brigade. The furniture in the house was not insured, and consequently Mr Simpson is a heavy loser.

The quarterly sitting of the Masterton Licensing Bench, which was to have been held yesterday, was adjourned until the 12th inst, a quorum not being present. Mr W. P. James, S.M., and Mr E. McEwen were the only , members who attended.

Mr F. Taylor, of Kahautara,"was thrown from a trap on Sunday last, and was seriously injured. The horse Mr Taylor was driving took fright and bolted. The trap struck a post and capsized, Mr Taylor being thrown heavily on the ground. He was unconscious for several hours, but is now progressing as well as can be expected.

Some doubt appears to exist in the country as to when the deer shoot ng in the Wairarapa district will open. Enquiries go to show that the Wellington Acclimatisation Society has recommended that the season should open on Ist April and close on 15th May, and it is probable that these dates will be gazetted shortly. There was a brief trouble resembling a strike at the Gear Company's works, at Petone, a few days age The men in the department, who are getting Is "lid an hour, demanded an increase of 3d an hour. They wer; offered an increase of l£d, and given till 3 o'clock in the afternoon to /' decide. The men accepted this offer and resumed work.