THE ARMS ACT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20332, 13 August 1929, Page 12

THE ARMS ACT.

Sir, —The Arms Act became .law- at a time when war neurosis led. to many extravagances. Among other things thero was a fear that as a large part of the male section of the race had become' accustomed to the use of arms,- and to slaughter, tho killing instinct .might reveal itself moro than usual and, of course,, tho anxiety that social unrest might turn toa many thoughts toward lethal weapons. All nonsense, of course, but the absurd theory became law with all its unreasonable restrictions. I suggest that one of tho reasons why burglary has become such a flourishing "industry" is the knowledge of thieves that no householder may legally possess a" revolver other than a trophy for which he may not have ammunition. Few people, of course, want to own revolvers, but why should thero bo so many restrictions upon sporting rifles, unless' tho law is an underhand agent of those who object to shooting for sport ? Like many people I have a great interest in guns and rifles, not because of a lust to slay, but because their efficient use demands the skill which demands physical discipline. One of my '• satisfying memories is a feather I knocked out .of a hawk on tho wing with a pea rifle, when I was a boy of 14. Another is the occasion when I mado three hits out of six shots on a tobacco tin with a revolver at 20 paces. Innocent sport, I think. Away with tho Arms Act, unless tho people of this ago desire to bo regarded as homicidal maniacs. Steady Hand.