"AN ORGY OF CRIME."

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 12849, 6 July 1907, Page 9

"AN ORGY OF CRIME."

Under the heading of "An Orgy of Crime," tho Presbyterian "Messenger," published in Melbourne, fho official organ of that denomination, soverely criticises the inaction of the Government with regard to the recent outbreak of serious crimo in the metropolis. The "Messenger" says:—"Melbourne is at thib moment in the lamentable position of a crime-infested city. A well-known diamond merchant has been murdered in his office, the watch-house at the Mint has been robbod of £1700, and the Rcchabite safe has been emptied of £150. The murderer nnd burglars are still at large. Tho 'Ago,' in reviewing the situation, urges that tho laws relating to suspects nro ridiculously mild in Victoria, and that criminals who flee from sister Btatc3 enjoy an immunity here which they can find nowhere else. The thing is preposterous—and worse. It is suicidal. Why should Victoria bo allowed to bo tho rubbish, shoot of Australia? Again and again the police have recommended tho Government to grant them larger powers in dealing with persons known to consort with vugabonds, but up till now, for some inscrutable reason, no action has been taken. Surely a murder and two successful burglaries ought to galvanise tho Cabinet into businesslike activity. Tho Chief Secretary has his opportunity, and tho community will be deeply disappointed if he does not riso to tho occasion and make it as hard for criminals to live here as anywhere else-. We want Melbourne mado intolerable to these vampires. Our streot gardens aro making Melbourne the most beautiful city in Australia; why should it be. tho happy hunting ground of criminals?"