Young Samoan Offenders

APIA, August 2.

THE Samoan youth, who introduced “bag-snatching” to Samoa by robbing a lady tourist of her handbag, has, con trary to a previous report, not been caught by the police. The handbag, containing a bunch of keys and various papers, how

ever was later found inside the fence of the Sub-Inspector of Police’s premises.

There have been several further in stances of “larrikinism.” In one case a large piece of rock was placed on the main road to Mulifanua, nearly wrecking a passing motor ’bus, which, fortunately, contained no passengers. The two youth ful offenders pleaded guilty before Judge Norrie, who ordered a birching for the

elder boy, and severely admonished the two youngsters.

In a second instance, a young Samoan boy, apparently under the influence of the “talkies,” practised lassoing from a horn on the main road. Twirling his rope, he cast it forth and lassoed a passing European girl round the neck, causing her painful injuries. He was rewarded for his feat with one week’s imprisonment.