Crime Without Motive

Rarotonga's Minor "Wave"

From Our Own Correspondent

Rarotonga, June 10.

AS with most Polynesian communities, serious crime is of rare occurrence in Rarotonga. Consuming intoxi cating liquor and unmarried love-making are the two crimes against civilisation which usually keep the Court busy every Thursday, and provide plenty ol man power for throwing dirt into the holes on the main road—dirt which is washed out again by the next shower.

During the last few weeks, however, residents of the Avarua district have been disturbed by a number of night attacks on girls in their own homes. The victims were struck on the face and head with an electric torch, but apart from the initial attack no further harm was done them, the assailant escaping in the darkness as soon as the alarm was raised A native has been taken for question ing in connection with these attacks.

During the same period, two local stores have been broken into at night.

The latest of these constitutes something of a mystery.

Looking out from his house in the early hours of the morning, a man noticed lights flickering in the Tupapa branch-store of A. B. Donald, Ltd. He went across to the building, flashed his torch through a window and saw a figure moving about, while flames issued from several points. He contacted a police man. and together they entered the building by means of a hole which had been broken through the boards at the rear.

By this time the intruder had made his escape. Several bolts of dress material on a shelf behind the counter, and a showcase of toilet articles were alight. At the further end of the build ing the contents of the office drawers were also in flames.

The fires were subdued before any serious damage was done.

No motive for the crime has been dis covered. Neither money nor goods was taken and apart from the papers in the office, the articles burnt were not easy to ignite. Had arson been the sole object, there were drums of kerosene and ben zine right at hand in the same building.

This minor “crime-wave” occurred while the European superintendent of police was absent on a tour of the outer islands. One is reminded of the local saying, “While the shark is away the little fish will play,” which is the native version of the familiar English proverb.