CRIME IN GISBORNE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2392, 6 January 1909, Page 6

CRIME IN GISBORNE.

THE ANNUAL 11ETUKNS

The annual returns prepared by Sergeant Hutton of the criminal offences reported and dealt with in •Gisborne during 1908, show, in most respects, a decided increase on the figures for 1907. The returns apply only to Gisborne, and do not include any of the out stations, such as Awanui, Tologa, Waipiro, Te Ivaraka, etc., each of which would have an average return of JO cases. The total number of offences reported in 1907 was 519, of which 803 were drunkenness. In 1908, 049 eases were reported, 434 being for drunkenness, showing an increase of 131. Only nine cases out of the large number reported in 190 S were undetected, .and this fact speaks volumes for the efficiency of the present police staff, under the capable direction of Sergt. Hutton. In projiortion to the population of Gisborne, the local police force is understaffed, as compared with other towns, and another severe handicap is to he found in the that scarcely a week passes without one and sometimes two and three of the constables being absent from the town on escort duty. This is essential owing to tlie isolation of Gisborne, but it certainly reflects great credit on the local police force that notwithstanding the disabilities under which they labor, they iare so prompt ■and efficient in the discharge of, their onerous duties

There was a decline in burglary offences. Twenty-one cases were reported in 1907, whilst last year there were 10. In all of these 10 arrests were effected ; S offenders were committed fa*- trial, and 2 were dealt with summarily. There was one case of attempted murder., which was committed for trial, and a sentence followed. The number of ordinary assaults also decreased. There were 30 arrests in 1907 as against S last year, all of which had-convictions recorded against them. On the other hand, offences for assaults causing actual bodily harm increased by two. There were five of these cases," all of which wore committed for trial. There were 57 cases of thefts (undescribed) re-ported-as against 30 for 1907. Of these 48 were-dealt with; 14 males were committed for trial, including three on 10 offences, and 34 were •dealt with summarily. Other offences were: For breaches of the peace there "ere 6 in 1907 as against 12 last year, with convictions in each. Disorderly and riotous conduct (5 in 1907) 10 last year, which were all convicted; carnal knowledge, one' arrest and acquittal; contempt of court 1, and 1 conviction; cruelty to animals (5 in 1907) 6 last year, 5 convictions, 1 dismissed ; disturbing meeting's (3) 1, and 1 conviction ; false pretences., 4 arrests, 2 convictions, and 2 discharged; forgery and uttering, 5 reported and 4 dealt with: illegal game shooting .1; Gaming Act offences (4) 2; illegally on premises (2) 5, 4 convictions, and 1 dismissal; indecent exposure (14), 10, 9 males ■and 1 fciua,le. Although these figures show a decrease, the character of the offences committed last year were of a. considerably worse .nature than those of the previous year; -malicious damage to property (8) 5, 4 were summarily convicted, and 1 was dealt with at the Supreme Court; obscene language (15) 17, 16 males and 1 female convicted; obstructing and resisting police (8) 8; perjury (2) 2, 1 convicted and 1 acquitted; soliciting, increase of 1; stowaways (4), 2; attempted suicide (1), 1; thefts as a bailee (4), 2; theft from the dwellir,;., 1; theft from the person (3),2. These were females, who were acquitted at the Supreme Court; theft of cattle •(4), 4,2 committed for trial. and 2 summarily convicted; trespassing (2). 1; vagrancy (9) 1.1, 7 males and 2 females convicted and 2 miles discharged ; procuring liquor during the term of a prohibition order, 57 cases dealt with; supplying liquor to proQiibited persons, 6, 3 convicted and 3 dismissed; persons found on licensed premises after hours 1; .prohibited persons prosecuted for being on licensed premises 4, all convicted; ■broaches of Licensing Act, 2, 1 convicted and 1 dismissed; borough byelaiv cases, convictions in 55 cases; truancy 10; Sunday trading and working on Sunday 3.