PROTECTION OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 12954, 25 August 1905, Page 3

PROTECTION OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN.

Every one. I presume, in New Zealand knows of the existence of the Society for the protection of females in general, especially children. Whether or not its working and profession of protection of women and girls and children is justified by the steps being taken tc hunt, up and bring to justice those scoundrels who are outraging women and young girls with mere or less impunity nearly everywhere in, this colony, and especially in and about. Auckland and the other large centres I in common with a very targe number of fathers would very much like to know..' Probably we shall be informed that that is. the duty of the Police Department. Well, in that case,, considering the very ' limited number of police officers available for this, in eorrVjunction with their many other duties., the society should pull down their colours and own up to the fact of their being unable to cope with this the most important of the many duties undertaken. It would appear - that when a man is caught nearly in the act and tried for the offence, the chances arc the jury will fail to agree; op the other hand, when found guilty, the sentence appeal's of late to be generally too lenient or quite inadequate to meet tie enormity and seriousness of the crime and injury done, hence failing to prove an example and a deterrent to other rascals. Why should not the "cat" be brought mere frequently into play in such dreadful case?? Judge Conolly by "its infliction two or three times stamped out for a time apparently (i.e., up to the judge's retirement) offences against women and" children in the Auckland province. As matters now stand, a woman, girl, or even a child, is in danger of being criminally assaulted and seriously injured for life once out of sight of a crowd of people (even in open daylight), or away from the protection of a male relation. Hence the result of this state of affairs will be that females will have to carry and be trained in the use of a revolver 'for self-defence and to put the question of identification of the criminal beyond doubt. My female relations are going through the necessary training, and will be able to shoot straight enough before long, and 1 chink it behoves every father under the circumstances to consider himself quits justified to make such provision for rue protection of those nearest and dearest to trim Paterfamilias.