MORE POLICE PROTECTION WANTED

Tuapeka Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1022, 8 March 1884, Page 3

MORE POLICE PROTECTION WANTED

(To the Editor. ) Sib, — I see from the last issue of your journal that Sergeant-Major Moore is at present on a trip to Tapanui in his capacity of Inspector of Weights and Meeiures. 1 have never heard of any addition being made to the force, and therefore conclude that the town must be entirely without police pro tection sometimes, as I have noticed the new policeman (Mr Macarthy) sometimes an ay for the greater part of tbe day, sereral days in succession. Now this is a state of things that is hardly very pleasant to contemp'ate : we pay for police protection, but at the time it might be most required we might have none. There is no saying but some terrible tragedy might be the consequence of leaving matters to chance and the town to take care of itself. It may be that everything will come out right ; but if is to he a matter of chance for a week or so at a time, why not leave it for a round of the calendar on the same fooling and do away with police protection altogether. Let us not have the name without the reality. What would be thought of anyone entrusted with the charge of certain premises, after having carried on the work of surveillance with the most jealous care for a lengthened period of time, suddenly taking it into his head to go away and leave the premises without protection, merely because no thief had appeared on the scene during his vigils. If the tbief were to come during his absence, would he be entitled to any reward for his former service during which" time nothing active was required on his part. Would he not _ ratner be deserving of condign punishment for a breach of duty in leaving his oharge while he had the implicit confidence of those over him that he was doing his duly in consideration of bis hire. The Government are in the position of this guardian, and are receiving a remuneration for the charge With which they are entrusted. Tbay are like (he guardian who abandons his charge temporarily 'through some whim, without providing a substitute. Such, I say, is tunta-raou-it tq obtaining money under false pretences. Do we not pay for police protection and htiTe we it not only in name sometimes ? Mark you, I have nothing to say against the constables here: I suppose they hare to do what they are told. Whon represeutations were made to Intpector Weldon and after* wards to Colonel Reader for an additional constable, I for one expected that some provision in that shape would have been made long ago : &t all events I hardly expect od that the affair would have h,een io. systematically burked.. What baa Xpwrence done that it should be treated with such contumely or be quietly ignored by " Bobert and Co." The department might a.t all events have had the good taste to let the Lawrence residents know what decision had been come to. I bare hitherto been a Government man, but I now feel inclined to go orer to the enemy with my vote at next election.— l am, &c, Fiat Jttstitia.