BICYCLE THIEVES

To The Editor Of The Statesman

SIR, – Requests in your “Lost and Found” column today for information which might lead to the recovery of bicycles stolen from Bishop’s College and Alexandra Court, and the theft of my own bicycle ten days ago from the Y.M.C.A., 86, College Street, make it evident that a gang of bicycle thieves is busily at work. It may be taken for granted that these advertised losses are representative, and if this particular crime is widespread it should be all the easier for the police to deal with it. The only satisfaction I obtained, although information was handed in to the nearest police station within an hour of the occurrence. In England this class of crime is being followed up and dealt with very severely. Papers received from home by last mail convey the information that Mr. Justice Rowlatt when passing sentence on a bicycle thief at Berks Assizes stated that “it had been decided to deal very severely with such men, who must not expect any mercy to be shown them.”

A.W.Y.

CHOWRINGHEE ROAD IMPROVEMENTS

To The Editor Of The Statesman

SIR, – The serious accident at the north-east gate of the Cathedral compound in Chowringhee Road, should serve to draw special attention to a highly necessary road improvement at this point. When the Corporation took up the widening of the section of Chowringhee between Theatre Road and Lower Circular Road, it was suggested that the railings of the Cathedral compound should be set back, and thus allow an adequate space between the tram track and the footpath. It was understood, however, that the Church authorities refused their consent. A direct result of this attitude is the bad and dangerous kink in the section of Chowringhee Road, opposite Alexandra Court. There is ample width at this point to continue the road space on the west side of the tram track up to Circular Road, but, as the section to the north is blocked by the ecclesiastical authorities. It is to be hoped that the lesson will be learned and action for improvement facilitated.

JAMES WYNESS.

Calcutta.

REGISTRATION OF SERVANTS

To The Editor Of The Statesman

SIR, – This subject has been discussed at different times in the Press but without any tangible result. In Durban, South Africa, every servant must obtain a registration paper from the police before he can secure work in any household. This paper describes the person, and contains his name, address, his father’s name and address, etc.; and when his services are dispensed with his late employer endorses the registration form stating the reason of his resignation or dismissal as the case may be. If a servant runs away from his master without getting a clearance certificate he is unable to obtain work elsewhere. All servants in Durban must attend the police station on the 1st of each month to have their registration certificates renewed, for which a nominal charge is made. If such a procedure were adopted in Calcutta it would prevent thefts being perpetrated and ensure a better class of servants and would also assist the police in finding budmashes.

VICTIMISED.

Calcutta.