TOPICS OF THE DAY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 9187, 12 April 1910, Page 4

TOPICS OF THE DAY.

The warning published in last nights issue against the proUse of miscuous use of firearms Firfcarms. had scarcely circulated before the town was startled by news of a shocking tragedy in which a young man who was voluntarily assisting in the search for the escapee from custody lost his life. The greatest sympathy is felt- for the relatives of the victim, and particularly for Detective Quirke (an officer who has not spared himself during the past few weeks) in their bereavement. The tragic occurrence serves to give point to the official statement we publish to-day as to the foolishness of civilians carrying arms. The authorities ask that the public refrain from this dangerous practice, and point out that the police can be helped better by the prompt giving of information. As we stated yesterday, the officers are hampered by the actions of irresponsible and excited civilians. There is no need for a crowd to congregate round the police station or to take up the time of the police by idle questionings.. It would be more in keeping with their own dignitv if people would do all in their power to allay the tendency towards panic, and we trust that we will be able to report that the more manly and sensible course is being widely followed

Many attempts have been made in Palmerston to establish Training a young men's club, and Facilities, to give the youth of the town an attractive place of resort for their unoccupied evenings, but all have ended more or less in failure. There have been institutes, gymnasiums and other organisations, but in each case enthusiasm has waned, interest has fallen away, and the movement has ceased to be after a season or two of chequered existence. The decision of sixty young men at a meeting last night to form a club on somewhat different lines to anything yet attempted is therefore to be welcomed. It differs from previous movements in that it- will be managed entirely by the young men themselves, and the additional responsibility thus put upon them should be an element making for success. At first it is intended to put the fostering of amateur boxing in the forefront or the programme, but no doubt if the club flourishes it will gradually extend its operations until other branches of athletics are included. In the meantime the equipment of a gymnasium will be of much assistance to athletes in training in the winter, and will be appreciated by them. Dr O'Brien remarked last night that rfc is intended to conduct the club on lines that will show that a inan can learn to box and still be a gentleman, and if this determination is adhered to the success of the club is assured.