The Evening Star. THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 1871

Auckland Star, Volume II, Issue 506, 24 August 1871, Page 2

The Evening Star.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 1871

" For the cause Hint lacks assistance, For tho wrong that uecils resistance. For the future in tho distance, Ami the good that we can do."

We are glad to see that steps have been taken by Mr. Gillies for the removal of that blot upon the statute book of New Zealand — imprisonment for debt. It lins been well described by him as a remnant of barbarism. It is painful enough to be poor, and most people use their most strenuous eiForts to remove themselves as far as possible from that condition ; but to treat poverty as a crime is a course of procedure that, has not been creditable to the enlightenment of New Zealand jurists. That there are crimes committed by poof people, just as there are crimes committed by rich people, is beyond questioning ; and where fraud or false pretence has been used for obtaining money, punishment should be inflicted. But that a man, for not. paying back mouey which he has not got, n>r any means of getting, should bo thrown intu gaol as a criminal, is so unreasonable, and t uel, purposeless, that the retention of such a principle in our civil-criminal code neom3 unaccountable. One only purpose it does serve, and we do not hesitate to say that herein is the actual reason why men are found to desire the continuance of imprisonment for debt; that id, in the power which it gives to a man to wreak his pitiful spite and havo his revenge for losses in trade. It is the only modern way in which Shylock can have his pound of flesh.

I'ho liU3ine3s at the Polico Court this morning was unusually light, beiug confined to the p ■nishmont of v few persons who hud been piu^ed up bj the police while in a state of inebriety.

In the Legislative Council, on the 17th instant, the business was almost entirely formal, the appointment of the sessional committees occupying most of tho time of the sitting. Mr. VVaterhouse gavo notice of the introduction of two bills—one an Act to Legalise the Marriage of a Man with the Sister of lib Deceased Wife.; the other, an Act to alter the Succession to Eeal Estate in cases of Intestacy.

We notice by advertisement that John Williamson, Esq., has offered himself for re-election as a, representative of fcho City West. The election will take place parly next month.

Creditors in the estate of George Strong are requested to prove their debts on or before September 2nd.

The next of the serieß of entertainments in connection with tit. Sepulchre's will take place at the Symonds-street Music Hall on Thursday evening next.

A. special practice of the Oratorio of " St. Paul," for the coming concert, will take placo at the Choral Hall on Friday, when performing members are particularly requested to attend.