The Dunstan Times. FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1870.

Dunstan Times, Issue 430, 15 July 1870, Page 2

The Dunstan Times.

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1870.

Beneaththeßuloof MenENTiREr.Y just the pen is mightier than theswofiD

Since we •wrote upon the necessity of establishing a sitting of 'the Supreme Court at Clyde, a large amount of correspondence on that subject has been addressed to us. In all cases there is an unanimous opinion that a Supreme Court Sitting should, at regular and stated intervals, be held at Clyde. Upon this subject there appears to be no local jealousies, one and all being agreed that Clyde, even with all its supposed faults, occupies the most central position of the northern goldfields. It is almost equidistant between Naseby, Dunstan Creek, Teviot ( Queenstown, Nevis, Arrowtown, and Cardrona, and, were the desired sittings held, the saving to the community at large would be something considerable and the public convenience much better served We have so many times pointed out the loss witnesses sustain through being compelled to go to Dunedin that it is quite unnecessary to again refer to it here. The evidences of the necessity 'for a sitting of the Supreme Court to be held at Clyde are patent to every one, not only in this but the surrounding districts. So far as accommodation for holding a Court is concerned there is every facility. The 'new Town Hali ls admirably adapted to the purpose, and we are sure that, were any improvements or not very costly additions required, the Corporation would gladly provide them. In this matter the Government have the whole of the work done for them, and we are sure that it would be much cheaper to defray the expenses of a Judge on Circuit than to every now and then have to pay for a whole coach-load of passengers to r and from Dunedin and disburse a considerable sum for their detention in town. The want of gaol accommodation can be the only objection against the establishment of a sitting of the Supreme Court at Clyde. This, at first sight, may appear a serious obstacle, on the grounds of expensive buildings and an expensive establishment; but there is really no cause for alarm at either of these difficulties. The building of the Town Hall and ‘other buildings of stone at Clyde has remarkably proven that stone is really cheaper than wood, and in no place in Otago is first-class building stone more readily procurable or the quality more durable. The expenditure for gaol officers cannot be pleaded as an excuse, afe two ndditiona lemistables to the staff already stationed here could easily perform all the extra duties connected with a gaol. We possess resident legal talent, so that prisoners could make sure of being properly defended, and thHr lives and liberties not jeopardised for want of skilled assistance. We certainly have only one gentleman legally 'qualified to follow the law residing at Clyde, hut, were Supreme Court Sittings held here, there would soon be another, or, perhaps, more. The Supreme Court would make work for the lawyers, who would in turn make work the Supreme Court. This is a subject that must not be lost sight of, and now that the Municipal elections will soon be upon ns, we should refuse giving our votes to any one unless he gives us an assurance that he will exert himself to the best of his ability to procure the establishment of Supreme Court Sessions at Clyde. This we feci assure dan be easily accomplished, and, if the matter is only taken up properly and energetically by the new Council, it is certain to succeed.