POLICE PROTECTION.

Evening Star, Issue 8723, 15 January 1892, Page 2

POLICE PROTECTION.

[We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents.]

TO THB KDITOB. Sib,—Having read your report in re Police v. Potter (wherein the defendant pleaded guilty), impels me to solicit the insertion of this letter. It may not be generally known that Leith Ward, the largest and most populous in the City, bad been for three or four weeks, and was on the date of the above disturbance, nnder the sole guardianship of one constable. 1 exclude the sergeant in charge, for it is impossible for him to be on duty both night and day. Can anyone imagine anything more ridiculous, especially during the holidays, when there is a large influx of strangers, than to suppose one individual capable of efficiently patrolling so large a district and protecting the lives and property of the citizens ? I should say not. There is no doubt Constable Crawley, who laid the charge, has on several occasions given ample proof of his vigilance and intrepidity—notably in two cases of fire. In one instance, but for bis watchfulness, the Government would have suffered considerable loss (I allude to the Union street School fire); and in another case, when some wooden buildings were completely gutted, he succeeded, although jeopardising himself, in rescuing a person from suffocation and ultimate death, and for which he should be highly commended. But, still, is it not unfair to expect him, or any other constable, to perform their onerous and frequently dangerous duties without being able to obtain the assistance of a comrade when necessary. In this instance Constable Crawley was made a target for road metal practice. I may also observe that the night was very dark, and in this connection I would respectfully suggest that the City Council should not extinguish the street lamps at the hour of twelve o’clock on dark nights, as such a custom affords opportunity and offers a premium for crime. Again referring to our police force, it cannot be disputed that it is numerically weak. I consider the cheeseparing policy of the Government, as it affects the force, is contemptible; and 1 feel assured no other community in the Southern Hemisphere would tolerate such a state of things,—l am, etc., Pro Bono Publico, Dunedin, January 15.