Makaraka Larrikins.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume II, Issue 167, 10 July 1888, Page 2

Makaraka Larrikins.

The larrikin element hae lately been the ceuse of a good deal of annoyance at Makaraks, and it is evident that a severe example ie required to be made to place a check on the lawless conduct of some of these rowdies. The latest instance which has come under our notice is but a characteristic one, though for that reason it is all the more deserving ot punish, ment, if the perpetrators can only be caught On Wednesday, Mr Bushbrook, who resides some little distance from the Boaeland Hotel, after feeding his horses (a mare and a pony) at dusk that evening, turned them into his fiaddock, as usual, and during the night some ow.minded person hacked off their manes and tails. The instrument used wae, judging from a wound on the pony's head, a knife, Mr Rushbrook is himself a quiet-going, un, assuming person, and one not likely to make enemies, so that it seems hardly probable that the disgraceful action would be the outcome of malice. It is rather the result of a devilish spirit of larrikiniam which instigates individuals who are, unfortunately, difficult to get at. They are cunning enough to avoid any clue as to the perpetrators of their rascally deeds, and the police have no eaey task to sheet home such actions. Hdwevcr, it is hoped they will not fail to do so in the present case, and also that the culprits will get such severe punishment meted out to them that it will be a salutary warning to other evil-doers in these outlying districts. This is not hy any means the first time that like offences have occurred, but that only increases the enormity of it, and if detection ensues in this instance a lesson should be given that would perhaps make it the last of such despicable tricks. Not long ago a new fence was de. liberately out the very night it was finished, then some horse covers were spirited off the horses' backs at Matawhero and found in * pigeon house at Makaraka.