CONSTABLE SKINNER AND THE BURGLARS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 12026, 24 July 1902, Page 3

CONSTABLE SKINNER AND THE BURGLARS.

TO THE EDITOR.

Sir, —Your esteemed contributor, "The'.< General," foil into an error iii your last Wednesday's issue, no doubt relying on the previous published report for "his information. Anient Constable Skinner's action in connection with the recently attempted burglary at Hayman's warehouse, " The General" observed that Skinner " missed egregtously the opportunity of a lifetime for distinguishing himself in his profession," and further on remarks that' the constable "ran into Queen-street to get assistance."; In fairness to ft young member of the police force, who is officially debarred the privilege of replying, the simple facts should be set out. Skinner was on duty and did not run to Queen-street for assistance. His attention was attracted by what appeared to be a small object moving gently on the roof of the building. This object, it afterwards transpired, was a burglar's head. The constable's suspicions wore aroused. The burglar on the lookout seeing lie was detected promptly rushed away. Skinner, without departing from where he was, whistled for assistance. A constable quickly came, others • following shortly afterwards. Th« burglars had fled. The trees in the vicinity, obscuring the view, sided their escape. What " Sherlock Holmes." to whom "The General" referred, would have done under the circumstances— that is to say, if clad in policeman's uniform, as Skinner was, he discovered a. midnight burglar on the roof of a warehouse, peering over the parapet, and the midnight burglar simultaneously discovered "Sherlock Holmes" on the footpath below— lain not in a position to -state. This, however, .may be reasonably assumed: Skinner, through his alertness, • detected and prevented the perpetration of a serious robbery. Under all the circumstances he appears to have adopter!—although not wholly successfulthe speediest and most intelligent course he could pursue for capturing a band of thieves, an undertaking not usually effected by a solitary constable. In official quarters, with a knowledge of the facts, this view, I understand, is taken, and, Constable Skinner has been complimented by his chief for the celerity and promptitude he displayed.—l am. etc., Ykbitas.

Mr. Haywood Orispe replies to High Ideal." He says that eight years' work in the island of Melanesia is quite as much as 16 bore, and that the Bishop: of Melanesia should not be taken to task for spending -some time at Home superintending the building of a new mission vessel. He . has also been largely instrumental, in. raising the money required for the ship.