HIGH COMEDY.

Patea Mail, 28 December 1881, Page 3

HIGH COMEDY.

No sooner had the Wellington Justices drawn down the curtain on the discreditable farce in which Sir William Fitzherbert took the title role, than the Pharazyn burlesque was placed on the boards. A primd facie case being made out, this “ old favorite ” was committed for trial. The Justices were “ perfectly satisfied with his explanation,” but not having power to acquit him of the charge of voting at two different booths in the Thorndon electorate, they formally committed him for trial. The Justices have expressed an opinion which prejudices the case by saying they are perfectly satisfied with hi%-explanation. It should be remembered that these Justices had been solicited by friends of the accused to attend and hear the case. That looks unfair. Is it to be a light or a common thing for men in high position to wilfully violate the law, and be placed in what common folk consider a very disgraceful position, either because the law is bad, or because there is “ some mistake ?” Our statute law is becoming less intelligible and more uncertain every year; and as for personation being a “ mistake,” if that is to become an every day affair it is to be hoped it will be confined to party politicians.