CRIME IN N.Z.

Press, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 25553, 22 July 1948, Page 3

CRIME IN N.Z.

COMMENTS BY JUDGE (P.A.) AUCKLANDj July 20. Addressing the grand jury at the opening of the quarterly criminal sessions to-day, Mr Justice Finlay commented that, although cases were fewer this time than usual, it would be wrong to infer that there had been any lessening of crime. The cases numbered 21 and commonly there had been 40 or 45. He doubted very much, however, if there had been any lessening of crime. There was a considerable volume of crime, his Honour continued, and it was causing perturbation everywhere. Just why there should be so much crime in New Zealand he hesitated to suggest. It could not be lack of employment, because there was employment for everybody, but the fact was that New Zealand, in common with the rest of the world, was suffering from a tidal wave of crime. What was needed more than punishment was widespread appreciation of the cardinal and robust virtues of honesty and industry. The outstanding characteristic of crimes to-day was dishonesty, and of cases coming before the grand jury, 13 involved dishonesty in some form or other. Two No Bills The grand jury returned true bills in 19 cases, but found no bills against William Phillip Lewis Thompson, charged with theft, and against Richmond Phillip Paraone, charged with manslaughter.