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New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4541, 9 October 1875, Page 2

The story of the circumstances -which led to the trial concluded in the Wellington Criminal Court last night, does not need recapitulation, but does demand comment. And .comment will not be out of place now that a verdict has been recorded, though it i 3 to be regretted that there were -writers to be found who, by truthless statements, colored relation of circumstance, and most unfair comment, did not hesitate in an effort to prejudice the case whilst it was sub judice. Ho Booner had the Chief Justice, in accordance with the verdict of a jury, passed sentence upon the man Cameron, than he was subjected to the attack of some literary bravo or another who had already ministered to a depraved taste by publishing prurient details of a disgusting case. And then some one acting the part of public benefactor, undertook to reverse the verdict of the jury, helped on by prejudiced statements in print, until the result was attained in an exhibition of .false swearing such as has never been witnessed ■ in a court here, and a display of youthful 'depravity and adult perjury listened.to for days by a crowded court. On the turpitude of the parties at whose doors lies the public scandal, there is no necessity to enlarge. Mr.

Prendergast has "placed the matter beyond doubt by his remarks last night after the jury had returned their verdict. There is no need to point out theevil which would have been done had the character and liberty of the girl Smith been sworn away by false testimony. What may be pointed out is the indecentanddisgraceful spectacle which the last three days in the Supreme Court have afforded—a spectacle organised and arranged by people animated only by a desire to attain popularity of any sort, not to promote justice or sound judgment.