The charge of the Chief Justice yesterday, when opening the criminal sessions in Wellington, will be read with satisfaction by everyone. There is an absence of any very heinous crime, if we except the charge of perjury against a young girl, to which we shall not further refer than by saying that if established against her, it displays a more than ordinary degree of depravity on her part. But of the more serious class of offences against person and property, there are really none for trial. And the like may bo said of the entire criminal record of the colony, as appears from our telegraphic reports of proceedings before the Judges in other provinces. This fact is at least strong presumptive evidence that the bulk of the immigrants arriving in this colony are respectable people. The criminal ranks have had few recruits from Government immigrants. Drunkenness has been their principal failing, but that is the national vice of British people all over the globe. And, speaking of drunkenness, we should direct special attention to the remarks of the Chief Justice to the Grand Jury, when alluding to the charge of manslaughter arising out of the recent fatal coach accident on the Wairarapa line. His Honor’s words should be remembered by travellers, whose mistaken kindness often jeopardises their own lives and the lives of others. As a rule, stage-coach drivers are a steady and sober body of men, but it is not right to put temptation in their way, by offering them drink, as is now too generally done. It is unkind to the men themselves, and highly dangerous to persons travelling by their conveyances. In the case alluded to, the verdict was for the accused. We shall not, therefore, say a single word regarding it, beyond this, that we hope it will bo a warning to him for the remainder of his life. It is well calculated to act as a warning to others similarly situated ; and wo trust his Honor’s words will not be without the
effect which it was intended they should have.
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New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4537, 5 October 1875, Page 2
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345Untitled New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4537, 5 October 1875, Page 2
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