UNDESIRABLE FRATERNITY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10303, 7 November 1911, Page 2

UNDESIRABLE FRATERNITY.

"SPIELERS" AT WORK.' Carnival week generally brings in its train a number of undesirables known familiarly as " spielers," and this year has been no exception to the rule, as already there have boon several reports of thefts from the person. A boarder at one of the city hotels alleges that someono entered his bedroom and stole from liis pockets the sum of £lO, and it is said that pickpockets have taken advantage of the recent disturbed public meetings to ply their calling amidst the hustling. In view of those facts it might be well for those who attend such meetings to either fasten or empty their pockets beforehand. The reports of pickpockets being at work are too frequent to be disbelieved. Four men appeared at the Magistrate's Court this morning on charges of theft from the person. Each was remanded. And it is not only that thefts from tho person may be regarded as likely during this week, for backyards often afford a harvest-hold for the " spieler," who is riot above removing tho housewife's family washing. Tho methods adopted by the yard thief aro almost too well known to call for comment. The harmless-looking individual who calls at the back door with a few trashy articles which he endeavours in a half-hearted manner to sell would perhaps take on a much more sinister air if he received no answer to his knocking and found that tho house was deserted for the day. This is one of tho commonest of the "spieler's" tricks, but there aro countless others of a like description.

The remedy is for tho housewife or servant to look askance at all unknown hawkers for tho next week or two, and to keep the front {rate locked whenever if. is not actually 111 uso.