PREVALENCE OF CRIME.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 August 1933, Page 6

PREVALENCE OF CRIME.

The remarks of the presiding judge at the Invercargill Supreme Court sessions in regard to the increase of crime in the Southland area drew attention to a tendency that is being observed in other parts of the Dominion and in Australia and Great Britain. It is causing some concern that while offences against the person are gradually diminishing offences against property are on the increase. Nor are they confined to any one section of the community. Among professional and commercial men as well as in the ranks of the ordinary wageearner the same tendency is to be observed. By some it is considered to be the natural corollary of unfortunate economic conditions, by others the effect of education unwisely applied, and by others again due to the lack'of home influence. The records of the Courts show, as one judge stated in public, that very few crimes against property are due to actual privation suffered by the offender or his dependents. Many of the crimes have been due to a refusal to accept the altered conditions brought about by the depression, some by the desire to avoid hard work, and a number to the feeling that society has not given an individual a fair chance and that war upon society is only fair retaliation. Because this element does exist it behoves those who discuss in public economic difficulties and relief to remember their responsibility. Talk of “direct action” or “organised revolt” may mean nothing that is unconstitutional to a speaker. To young minds, gloomy with disappointment at the lack of opportunity, they may mean something much worse, and the seed of evil action is sown. Fortunately there are signs that the need for counteracting the blighting effect of unemployment is being recognised. School authorities, church authorities, relief organisations and social workers are doing what they can-to minimise the. evil. It is well they should have the full support of the public. New Zealand has had reason to be proud of her people’s respect for law and justice since European settlement began. No effort can be too great if it will preserve that character as a national asset.