ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IX, Issue 2959, 8 June 1885, Page 3

ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE.

(to the editor of the oamarc hail.) Sir, —There is in our midst a gang of notorious young scamps, who make it their business to way-lay and moat grossly insult any inoffensive persons who are passing along. Only yesterday, a sailor off the ship Dunedin was attacked and severely beaten by some of these young scamps. This is not tho first time the sailors have been the object of their animosity. They have been annoyed by them on several other occasions. In another instance, a young fellow was passing through the gardens with a lady acquaintance, when he wa3 attacked 'ana overthrown by about a dozen of these young scamps, and the young lady most grossly insulted. On informing the police of the occurrence, all the satisfaction he got was that it wa3 known to the police that such things happened, but they could not help it. It is abominable to think that a young fellow cannot walk out quietly with hi 3 sweetheart without being insulted by these young scamps. I think it high time that some of our citizana took the matter in hand, and administered a severe thrashing to any of these young reprobates who are caught red-handed.—l am, <tc., Disgcsted. Oamnru, June 7th, 1885. [Tho behaviour of a section of the youths of our commuuity is becoming insufferable. They in squads take possession of the pavement at night in such a way as to compel even females to step aside into the channels or other places which are particularly undesirable in wet weather. Worse than even this, they show not the smallest regard for propriety in their conversation, but make use of the vilest language possible, no matter who may be within hearing. Our correspondent implies that the police might be more energetic than they are in seeking to put down tho ovil practices of these thoughtless youngsters. But it should bo borne in mind that the delinquents take special care that none of the limbs of the law catch them at their pranks, and the only way, therefore, in which the polico can te made to do good service in the suppression of the nuisances of which our correspondent complains is by the aggrieved parties giving such information to tho authorities as will lead to the arraignment of the offenders. If , the parents of the youths who are in the ; habit of wanontly ranging through our streets at night were to do their duty, there would be no necessity for public interference, and their offspring would grow up to be a blessing to them and to the community, instead of becoming the dregs of society. What good can be expected of our youths when they are turned into our streets regardless of what they do, or what becomes of them ?—Ed. O.M.]