MR BRAITHWAITE'S STATISTICS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 9417, 3 May 1892, Page 3

MR BRAITHWAITE'S STATISTICS.

TO THE EDITOR.

Sin, —A considerable time has elapsed since I took up my pen in comment of matters appearing in the press, but now I deem it prudent to do so in reference to a letter under the above heading, signed "A Scotsman," that appeared in your issue of the 26th instant, referring to crime in Ireland, &c. The writer states that while driving through Ireland at night he saw many policemen, all in pairs, each armed with a rifle and fixed bayonet. Well, now, Sir, any person experienced with police matters in Ireland will come to the conclusion that ssch is not the practice. I fancy the digestive organs of the writer vere out of order during his tour, and the darkness of the nights led him to believe the police were prepared to charge bayonets or resist cavalry. I passed many years iv the Koyal Irish Constabulary-at a time when the population of Ireland was almost double what it is now—viz., in 1848, when the Young Irelanders cime to the front. At that time discipline in the police force was strictly adhered to. I'll quote one instance. When on patrol the men had to march in single file three paces apart, and were not allowed to speak to each other unless in case of necessity, and then iv a low tone of voice. If a footstep wore approaching, and there was a doubt that it was such, the squad silently halted, the leading file drew his ramrod, placing the butt end on the ground, clenching the other end with the right hand, then placing the right ear on the hand and end of the ramrod, which enabled him to judge if the vibration was that of a footstep. Marching as above described was a protection in case of an unexpected attack from ambush, &c To march with fixed bayonets was never thought of. To fix bayonets would not take more than two seconds, therefore it was not necessary to march in such order, especially when patroling by night in country places. Of course, the. old bayonet and carbine for better than 30 years has been done away with and substituted by more formidable weapons. As to the troops in Ireland, their duties are the same as those located in Scotland. Of course, in cases of evictions and serious riots they are called out to assist in the preservation of law and order, and the same rules are applicable in Scotland when required.—l am, &c, John Casski.S. South Duiiedin, April 29.

— The giralfo is now threatened with permanent extinction. Ton years ago herds of 70 and 80 could Ijo found, whore to-day 13 would Ikj sin exceptionally large herd. — In pianoforte wire, which is the strongest substance known, a pull of 150, or even 160 tons per square inch is generally required to bring about rupture.—Saturday Review.