DECREASE IN CRIME.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9152, 6 September 1888, Page 3

DECREASE IN CRIME.

TO THE KDITOR. Sib, —The remarks of the Supreme Court Judge re above, as also your article, must afford pleasure to all interested in the welfare of the colony. But is it not strange that our experience is so similar to that of most English-speaking countries ? i.e., there is less crime in depressed times than in the days of prosperity. But neither His Honor nor yourself attempt an explanation. Several English judges have expressed the opinion that there is less money spent on intoxicating drinks in dull times, and hence the decrease in crime. The following table, as also our own drink bill, confirms this theory. Why not then, sir, give your influence so that we may have a speedy return of prosperity, and that without an increase of crime. The following is an extract from '' Crime and Pauperism ' (a letter sent by Mr. Hoyle to Mr. Gladstone), and it will be seen that ju3t as the amount spent on intoxicating liquors increased, so the crime increased, until 1876 the expenditure amounted to £147,288,759 ; the convictions were 526,915. And three years later the expenditure had decreased by £20,000,000 ; the convictions also decreased 20,000. Year. Amount Spent. Convictas for Crime. 1870 118,836,284 389,712 1871 125,586,902 407,859 1872 131,601,490 423,581 1873 140,014,712 456,705 1874 141,342,997 ... ... 486,786 1875 142,876,669 512,425 1876 147,288,759 526,915 1877 142,007,231 519,839 1878 142,188,900 538,232 1879 128,142,864 506,281 Hoping you will kindly give this matter your attention, I am, etc., An Abstainer.