The Argus December 24, 1918
TO THE EDITOR OF THE ARGUS
For some time the residents of Koo Wee Rup have had to submit to a large number of robberies, petty thefts without any hope of retracing the stolen property or punishing the offender. Added to that the conduct of a number of hoodlums at public functions had become so unbearable that promoters of public entertainments were fearful of the consequences. The local hall is generally in a state of siege from the onslaughts of these ruffians, who rush the doors and endeavour to break into the supper room, using the most horrible language around the doors, and frequently bombarding the roof with road metal.
All this was thrashed out at a public meeting some weeks ago and a letter was forwarded to the Chief Secretary asking for police protection at Koo Wee Rup. Up to the present time no reply his been received.
It is no uncommon sight to see a stand up fight in the main street. On Saturday night a number of men surged for over an hour in the main thoroughfare and into the early hours of Sunday, while the air was filled with profanity, oaths and curses to which peaceable citizens had to listen.
On Sunday night another scene took place when the great Australian adjective was heard to advantage as a preface to loud allegations of untruthfulness. There is a policeman stationed at Lang Lang on the extreme edge of the district who has to patrol or endeavour to keep the peace in a district about 50 square miles in extent. Needless to say his energy must necessarily be somewhat distributed until it reaches vanishing point.
Yours &c
A VICTIM
Koo Wee Rup December 23.
