INADEQUATE POLICE PROTECTION.

Waikato Times, Volume XIII, Issue 1100, 12 July 1879, Page 3

INADEQUATE POLICE PROTECTION.

Sib,— Permit me through the columns of your paper to call the attention of the police authorities to the state of things that exist m our midst. Rarely now does a Sabbath pass without some drunken brawl. Only last Sabbath a number of men from the railway works bent upon spending the day m drinking, arrived at Te Awamutu, but failing to gain their object through the vigilance of our worthy constable, betook themselves m a hired van to tho village of Kihikihi, noted for having two publichouses for about forty inhabitants. Mr Anderson refused to sell them any drink, upon which announcement thoy threatened to break open his house, although, forsooth, there are six or eight gallant Constabulary stationed within a stone's throw of the place. From Kihikihi these visitors returned about nine o'clock, when about half-way to Te Awamntu they began to fight, one with another, the poor horses which could no longer draw all their burden, were treated m a most brutal and shameful manner. I am glad to learn that two of them Avere arrested the next day. It is high time thiit this state of things received a check, but to do .so, our Constable here needs help, t»s it is impossible for him to be at Ohaupo, To Awamutu, and Kihikihi at tho same time. It would be well if Government would place one or two men of the force now stationed at Kihikihi, at each place to assist Constable Gillies m kseping the peace. It is high time that this disgraceful system of Simday drinking were put down, but if is to be done more assistance will be required. — I am, &c, Peace Loveb.