THE CASE OF WALTER TRICKER.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 15, Issue 770, 17 March 1870, Page 3

THE CASE OF WALTER TRICKER.

[Evening Post, 11th March.]

We must congratulate the inhabitants of Wellington on the succeaa of the meeting at the Odd Fellows' Hall last night, A question of deep and grave interest was involved—a question affecting personal freedom, the dearest privilege of which we boast—and the meeting came to its discussion in a spirit worthy of its importance. No party rancor—no personal bitterness—none of the rowdyism which too often disgraces popular assemblies, showed head for an instant, but everything was done with a decorum superior to that which often prevails even in our Parliament. This was owing in a great measure, no doubt; to the fact ■'■hat eveiv one present was thoroughly in earnest—that the people had come, not to look on at a performance gob up for their amusement, but to lend their aid in rectifying a great injustice; still it cannot be disputed that it was due, in an equal degree, to the excellent manner in which the chair was filled. Thoee who proimotod. the meeting laid great stress from the first on the appointment of Mr Johnson to preside over it, both on account of his high personal character and standing in the community, and the fact of his being largely interested in the Rangitikei district; but we venture to say that none of those who urged upon him the occupation of the chair anticipated that, in addition to presiding with dignity over the meeting, he would make the careful and elaborate speech that he delivered, stating, as it did, the case lucidly and fairly, without bias or prejudice, giving praise where it was due, and pointing out, according to incontrovertible evidence, where the case against Thicker was faulty. That speech stamped at once the character of the meeting; but the speech of the evening was undoubtedly that of the Rev. Mr Stock. Thoroughly versed in his subject to the minutest details, and deeply in earnest, he told the story of Rayner's murder and Tricker's trial and imprisonment—his own gradually acquired conviction of Tricker's innocence which had surmounted his first prejudice against him—the reasons which he had for believing that the conviction was erroneous-—his own efforts, patient and perseveiing, to obtain justice for the unfortunate prisoner—with a simple truthful eloquence, which carried his audience with him to a man, and in fact forced him to deprecate the repeated applause he received ; and when, with the same eloquent simplicity, he expressed his determination to persist in his endeavors to obtain Tricker's release despite all discouragement, assured of scccess in the end, it was impossible to restrain the burst of approbation which followed his words. No vote of thanks was ever more heartily accorded by a popular assembly than that which was given to him. But though the meeting was a great success, the appointment by it of a committee is not alone sufficient to obtain the release of Walter Ti icker. To achieve that end some hard struggles will yet have to be undertaken —some venerable old prejudices assailed, and much patient labor expended. No doubt the committee will use their best endeavors, but they look for help to • the people whom they represent. If that help is fully accorded, if the into i est awakened at the meeting is i sustained, and the people of Wellington become thoroughly in earnest in their endeavors to promote , the object for which the committee • were appointed, there can be little i doubt of ultimate success. " The [ voice of the people is the voice of [God," and when it speaks plainly • and distinctly, its mandates are not fjto be disputed.