CRIMINALS IN THE GARDENS.

Evening Post, Volume LXXV, Issue 121, 22 May 1908, Page 8

CRIMINALS IN THE GARDENS.

MORE COMPLAINTS. A sad feature about public gardens is that hoodlums, or even worse individuals, are apt to haunt them to the great annoyance of respectable members of the public. For years the Christ 1 church Botanical Gardens were the rendezvous of roughs, even in broad daylight, and their coarse language and loutish behaviour made the pretty place rather unpopular, especially for ladies. The Wellington gardens are said to be troubled by similar larrikins and even more deplorable- offenders. Some time ago a depraved person, who had been terrifying ladies, was caught/ and sentenced to six months' imprisonment, a light term in face of the facts proved against him. Soon after his arrest the police heard complaints about similar vile conduct by other criminals. "Public Safety" writes to-day mentioning recent cases of lawlessness by degenerates. During the past few months the police have watched the gardens closely. Sometimes two and three men have been on duty there at one time, but the office has not been able to station a constable there permanently. "There is room for a permanent .ranger or constable," admitted a police officer to-day. It is contended that if the gardens are to be a safe and peaceful place for citizens, an energetic constable should be constantly patrolling the domain. "What is the good of having a- beautiful reserve," 1 asks one critic, "if women and children are afraid to walk in it?" '

ulr. Tom Mann, who has been lecturing on Socialism throughout the north for the last few weeks, returned to Wellington to-day. Mr. Tom Mann is booked to lecture in the Town Hall on Sunday ; subject, "Socialists, who they are and what they are." Apart from the lecture there is a good musical programme. In Xew Zealand the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows has a membership of about 21,000, with accumulated funds amounting to £516,000. A meeting of members of No. 2, Cooperntivo Building Society, Petonc, will be held at 7.30 p.m. on slh June. Messrs. Lovien, ShnUcra&s and Co. advertise a sale of assorted goods tor toWRErpw ftftorpfioo, at 2 .o'clock.