THE INCREASE OF CRIME IN SOUTHLAND.

Evening Post, Volume LVII, Issue 31, 7 February 1899, Page 6

THE INCREASE OF CRIME IN SOUTHLAND.

[BY TELEGRAPH — PKESB ASSOCIATION.] Invekcabgill, 6th February. The Supreme Court sittings opened to-day before Mr.|[Justice Pennefather. The calendar comprises 17 cases against 13 persons, including nine charges of offences against women and children. The Judge commented on the length of the calendar, and characterised the offences as serious and disgraceful. He suggested to the Graud Jury, as representative of the leading citizens, that it might consider Avhether there Avas any cause Avhy crimes against morality should be so lamentably rife in Southland, and whether auy steps, legislative, punitive, or otherwise, might be taken to bring about an Any presentment of the jury Avould be brought before the proper authorities. The Grand Jury, in reply to his Honour, stated that the alleged increase of crime in the district was more apparent than real. The jury suggested as remedies for the apparent spread of immorality (1) more vigilaut parental control, and (2) in aggravated cases of sexual crime and indecent assault, especially on children of tender years, punishment by flogging at the Court's discretion. His Honour thanked the jury for its presentment, which he considered most valuable. This* Day. Albert Edward Roff, aged 15, Avas arraigned to-day on two charges of offences upon girls— one nine years old, the other seven. He pleaded Guilty to the first charge. His Honour said it Avas a subject for regret that there was no reformatory in the colony, as it might be very beneficial in such cases. The only institution which answered to the purpose in NeAv Zealand was an industrial school to which children Avho had not committed any crime were sent, and he could not see his way even to recommend that the accused should be allowed to associate with other children. The only chance for the prisoner Avas severe punishment and a long term of imprisonment to give him an opportunity of breaking away from his evil companions. Roff was then sentenced to four years 1 imprisonment and two Avhippings of twelve strokes each, the first this day month and the second in four months.