LYNCH LAW AT SAMOA.

Kumara Times, Issue 492, 25 April 1878, Page 2

LYNCH LAW AT SAMOA.

Her Majesty's ship Sapphire, on her arrival at Levuka from Samoa, states the Fiji Times of March 16, had on board a Mr Hunt, who had been brought before Her Majesty's High Commisioner's Court, and tried for conspiring, with other persons unknown, to murder one Edward Charles Corcoran, an American subject. Corcoran had murdered a man named Fox, formerely a resident in Fiji, by stabbing him without the least provocation! For this he was brought before the American Council, and, after trial,' found guilty, and ordered to be taken to San Ftancisco for conviction and sentence. Fie was sent on board a schooner named the Ada Hay, in irons, for that purpose. The white residents, including, Germans, Americans, and B: glish, all objected to this couise, as it was thought the sentence of the Jaw would thus be evaded, and Corcoran was known to be a most dangerous character. A. meeting was accordingly held, attended by a large number of people, and it was d-cid/>d to • bring Corcoran on shore and hang him forthwith. This was soon done, and Oorcoraii after engaging in prayer with the lie*. Dr. Turner, was run up to a cocoauut tree and allowed to remain until the following 'morning, when hisbody was taken down and buried. For this, Mr Hunt, with others, was brought before the Commissioner's Court, and after a hearing. Hunt was ordered to be brought to Fiji and be detained in Tot >ga prison for twelve months, but wiihi>ufc h :vcl labour,'the others being discharged, Mr Hunt has given uotice

of appeal to our Supreme Court, as lie will have an oppor'unity of being defeuded by counsel, which he had not at Samoa. In the meantime he is at large on bail.