1 ( 89 )
2 The number of Gang and Torch robberies reported each year is, as @ general rule,
3 though not always, slightly in excess of the numbers set forth in the body of the
4 above Table ; the reason for which discrepancy is that only those cases in which the
5 robbers bave been traced or apprehended are entered in the bodyof the Table
6 given above, as also that first reports are so constantly grossly exaggerated.
7 From a glance at the above figures it would appear that crime has been consi-
8 derably on the increase of late years, though such is not actually the case. For
9 many years the returns were extremely inaccurate and incomplete, petty offences
10 were scarcely considered worthy of remark or comment, and the police were not
11 in, the same state of efficiency which exists at present. The diminution in the
12 number of Gang and Torch robberies, and the paucity of Highway robberies,
13 excepting in years of scarcity, or uneasiness in the adjoining Distzicts, are facts
14 which bear out the above conclusions. The subordinate Police and Revenue
15 Officers have under a strict and exacting Government become more watchful and
16 more active in the performance of their duties, and to this maybe attributed in a
17 very great measure the increase in the number of reported miscellaneous and
18 minor offences.
19 M. CUBBON,
20 Commissioner,