Letter supporting a new County Constabulary

RURAL POLICE.

To the EDITOR of the HAMPSHIRE TELEGRAPH.

14th January, 1840.

Sir,—There is no part of the country which was more in need of, and which will receive greater advantages from the establishment of the new County Constabulary, than the ancient Borough of Petersfield and its Vicinities. If we look at our Old Force we find it to consist of a non-resident Mayor, (who need not be a Magistrate) some Constables, and a Beadle or two, appointed by the Leet Jury, who are summoned and are always under the control of the Steward of the Lord of the Manor.

Sir W. Jolliffe, Bart., the present Lord, is too much of a Gentleman to trouble himself in such matters, and every thing consequently goes wrong.

For a considerable time past groups of idlers congregate at night (particularly on Sundays), and annoy the quiet and respectable Inhabitants in a variety of ways. This is particularly the case on Sunday evenings, and to such an extent is it carried against those going to church or chapel that complaints have been made to the Bishop, who has written to say that he is obliged by the communication, and that he hopes something will be done effectually to prevent it for the future.

What we want is two or three resident County Magistrates (we have none at present) and such an establishment of the New Force as shall be found sufficient to protect us.

Nothing can be so detrimental to the idlers themselves as to allow them to go on in their present career, if they are not checqed they must go on from bad to worse, and it will probably end in their committing more serious offences, which may cause them to be re-moved to another, but most unquestionably for them not a better country.

By inserting the above you will much oblige the Inhabitants of Petersfield, and an

OLD SUBSCRIBER.

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Letter supporting a new County Constabulary