Increase of Petty Crime

In Samoa

Apia, Dec. 20.

AN increasing number of petty crimes have recently been tried by the Apia High Court disclosing a deplorable growth of dishonesty amongst employees of commercial firms, Government De partments and institutions in the Territory.

In November an employee of the

Justice Department, A. A. Pereira, was charged before the Chief Judge, with misappropriation of depart mental monies in eight cases amounting to £4l/13/-. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to nine months imprisonment.

On November 29 two employees of A. G. Smyth & Co., Ltd., appeared in Court charged with theft of money and goods from the firm.

They were convicted and sentenced to terms of imprisonment.

A number of Samoan workers of

the Public Works Department were recently sentenced to terms of im prisonment for theft of goods fron the stores of the P.W.D.

THESE cases of petty thievini which have recently come be fore the Court, have resulted ii a thorough investigation of stock and books in all Apia firms.

Results have been startling ii some instances, and it is estimate! that systematic thefts going bad in some cases for years, have re suited in a total loss of £25,000 t local business.

Those responsible for the theft have disposed of their spoils t small trading stores.

Laxity and lack of efficiency i the firms who have suffered hav encouraged dishonest employees and the fact that the Samoa Government does not insist o; small businesses keeping prope books has made it easier for ther to dispose of stolen goods.

Until recently small stores ha\ been allowed to trade at all hours c the day or night, week days or Sun days, and have done their be* business when the large Apia store are closed.

Pastor G. Branster of the S.D.

Central Pacific Union Mission, s Suva headquarters, returned to tf Colony from Sydney by Qantg plane on December 13.