AIR GUN DANGER

Gisborne Times, Volume LXV, Issue 10308, 18 January 1927, Page 5

AIR GUN DANGER

MENACE TO COMMUNITY. WARNING TO PARENTS. NELSON, Jan. If. The police have had quite a number of complaints about boys using air guns during the holiday season, remarked Plain Clothes Constable Hall, in the Juvenile Court to-day. when two lads were- charged with assaulting other lads by firing an a;r rifle at them. "It stems to be the custom of parents about Christmas time, ‘ added the police representative. “to buy air guns for their children without seeming quite to realise they are committing an offence.' The evidence showed that pellets from an air gun struck the lans aimed at. but did not inflict any injury to speak of. In answer to the magistrate, defendants said they did not realise. the seriousness of what they were doing.. The Magistrate remarked this showed how essential it was that the lawshould be strict Iv enforced. Irresponsible youths like those before lmn were a menace to the community. In answer to the Magistrate Plain Clothes Constable flail said no . serious injury was inflicted, but it tne pellets had struck vital spots the parents of accused might.hn’f had to pay heavv damages. There was an in-ranee on record where the father of a lad had to pay £2OO or £3XI compensation. . Eoncli of the lads was fined £6On a further charge of urdawhiliy using an air gun. the inrormations

were dismissed. \ salesman who sold ail air gun to one ot the lads, aged 15 years and 9 months, was fined £1 and costs is. ju answer to the Magistrate he said he did not doubt for a moment thatthe lad was over 16 years ot age. - P.A.