CRIMES OF VIOLENCE

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 24955, 26 July 1944, Page 4

CRIMES OF VIOLENCE

rake in dominion COMMENT MADE BY JUDGE The rarity of crimes of violence in the Dominion was favourably commented on by Mr Justice Fair when addressing the grand jury at the opening of the Supreme Court yesterday. He drew attention* to the fact that there was only one charge of assault with violence in the calendar, and said he was pleased to say that this reflected the normal position in this district and apparently throughout New Zealand. "In New Zealand crimes accompanied by violence and brutality are rare," His Honor continued, "and when they are committed thej; are largely committed by people of 'weak mentality. That position, 1 think, is a matter for genuine congratulation, marking in our country a high degree of good behaviour and a standard of civilisation and conduct, that is also a marked feature in the Mother Couutrj. "In England, I suppose in a much greater degree than in any other country in the world, the people have learned to control their strong jjassion.s and to refrain from acts of violence, however strongly their feelings may be aroused, and however bad iri character otherwise some 'of the criminal classes may be. Offences accompanied b\ brutality and violence are rare both in England and in New Zealand, and we have some satisfaction in being able to reflect that this is so."

LOCAL AND GENERAL Artificial Silk Parachutes Artificial silk parachute canopies are now being issued to the R.N.Z.A.F. in New Zealand for the first time. Though the texture is slightly different to the touch, the artificial silk canopies have proved themselves in test to be equal in every respect to those made, as previously, with pure silk. Vegetable Sppply , The City Markets were not as heavily Supplied with green vegetables yesterday as they were last week. While the good weather lasts, growers are planting more than they are harvesting. Carrots and pumpkins were in heavy supply, but there was still a shortage of potatoes, and no marrows were available. New Departure in Postage Copies of American magazines of the digest order are being delivered' in Isew Zealand without wrapper of any kind. The reason is believed to be paper'snortage, and a slight reduction in weight. All people in the United States are doing is to type the address on & small piece of white paper, which is gummed to the back cover of the magazine, together with the usual postage stamp. Australian Development The tremendous development that had occurred in Australia during the past few years was commented umm by the Minister of Transport, the Hon. JO'Brien, who returned yesterday fro in a visit to the Commonwealth. The Ministor said the development had taken place Qot only in the industrial sphere) but also in all types of farming and agriculture. It was particularly noticeable in Queensland. Wireless Sets Sought A request that each of 21 men stationed as guards of isolated points in various areas be supplied with a wireless set was received from the Army by the Auckland Metropolitan Patriotic Committee last night. It was declined, but the chairman, Mr G. "• Hutchison, said there might be persons in the city willing to donate the set? to help give the men some relief from the monotony of their tasks. Language Problem in Court An unusual development occurred during the hearing of a. case in *" e Supreme Court at Hamilton yesterday. A Chinese witness who could speak a little English asked for an interpreter. The accused was a Maori and he also asked for an interpreter. The requests were granted by the Chief Justice, sn Michael Myers, and the evidence wa> translated from Chinese into Englis. and from English into Maori. Sick Leave and Social Security In an endeavour to obtain partial reimbursement of sick leave pay conceded its employees, the Auckland Harbour Board has decided to take up the matte' with the Social Security Department. A report by the chairman, Air »■ **" Frater, that the hoard should .try j® secure a refund of such proportion o sick leave payment as would other*" have been a charge against the Soci» s Security Fund, was adopted at a mee ' ing of the board yesterday. Londoner Seeks a Wife Assistance toward matrimony sought by a Londoner in a letter r ceived by the Mayor, Mr J. A. C.. Allup • The writer asks the May 0 1" *1 0. J ° him to find a "serious-minded New a " land ladv" who will become a P friend and will later consider ™ arrl y" I His intention of coming to New A < land after the war is expressed writer, who addresses Mr Allinn as - . Dear Lord Mayor." He describe* himself as being .33 years of ?^_. ee n of independent means. A lady be the aces of 25 and 28 years his wash*.