An Annoyance.
To the Editor of the Bangalore Spectator.
Sir, – Will you kindly give insertion to the following in your journal trusting the same will receive the favourable consideration of the authorities to whom it is due.
Some of the wicked youngsters residing in that part of the Cantonment known as Shoolay seem to enjoy themselves by constantly throwing stones at their neighbours’ houses at nights. Well, the peaceful ryots thus receiveing a mysterious shower of stone rain look to the Police to solve the mystery, but when they do go to lodge their complaints at the station house it is quietly taken and they are as quietly sent out, and of course this procedure naturally satisfies the poor ryot, but mind only for the time being, for the mischievous boys rapidly increase their deeds until the poor sufferer becomes able and sensible enough to maintain silence without revealing the mystery even to his next door neighbour or others,
and it is not safe for a man to suppose or even believe that he may pass a lane in the locality uninjured at nights, and this malpractice has gone on in force uninterrupted and unnoticed for many moths; but it would naturally affect the mind of an enlightened being in this civilized world to query “where are the Police?” and question “what are they doing?”. Perhaps, Mr Editor, the poor guardians believe are strictly prohibited under the terms of their acts from any interference whatever in such a perilous transaction.
I might as well here quote an instance. A few nights ago I was passing through a lane of the above locality. I very fortunately escaped the fall of a stone about the size of a coconut on my head and rejoicing at my good luck hastened my footsteps for fear of a similar visit, and resting myself at home for a while returned to the spot again, accompanied with a friend of mine, to whom I narrated patiently the bad luck that was about to befall me and the way I overcame it.
I found to my surprise similar stones, though of small size, being constantly pouring forth in a house, and in its yard, and lane, but fortunately a constable happened to be patrolling thereon, who having seen the side from whence the mysterious stones were pelted, ran to his station – having reported the affair, brought with him a new [sahib?] who enquired about the above relation and went away.
I suppose because the bargain does not come under the cognisance of his nose. But mind Mr Editor I was silently perceiving the whole bargain without either moving or opening my mouth to the Police Chief sahib, for fear the offender’s eye might catch me, as I know full well what would be the consequence (which I need not here mention as it is understood), and went home quietly without bothering myself to go and lodge a complaint at the Police Tannah, and thought it far better to bring the same to the notice of the requisite authorities through the medium of your esteemed journal, and trust that this will receive its course and redress to which myself and the poor sufferers will be thankful to you.
Further, Mr Editor, would it not be worthwhile to our zealous and able Mr Norris to find out the miscreants (which could be done in no time, that is by taking a few minutes’ rest) and bring them to justice.
Yours obediently, Tom.
Bangalore Spectator, 30th June 1877.