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Poverty Bay Standard, Volume XI, Issue 1340, 9 August 1883, Page 2

The case of J »mes Km, which came before the K.M. Court, Wellington, last week, calls for some remarks. It appears that prisoner had originally beeu sentenced to four years penal servitude, but had, by exempliary good conduct, earned the remission of twelve months, and had, upon discharge, been placed on board the steamer, in conformity with the requirements of the law, for conveyance to Lyttelton, but, as “ his wife and children were in Wellington ” he had absconded from the boat, whereupon he was apprehended and charged with being unlawfully at large. Un his discharge from the Court he was re* arrested by the gaoler of Mount Cook Prison, and will have to undergo the remainder of his sentence, which means twelve months further imprisonment. Well might Mr. Shaw say “ that such a thing should be done was abominable.” After three years severance from his wife and family was it wonderful that the poor wretch’s heart should yearn to again embrace those whom, though a felon, perhaps he loved as fondly and tenderly as any man without stain. What crime did this man committ commensurate with the terrible punishment of being sent back to prison just as his heart was bounding and rejoicing at obtaining that freedom which he had so hardily earned by a steady earnest course of good conduct, through three long years of trial and suffering. Was this tempering justice with mercy? Was it justice at all ? That because a a man obeyed one of the noblest instincts of nature - affection for hi< offspring and wife —he should be dealt with in such a harsh and pi :i less man'ex’. Well might the |>"or wretch “ <-rv bitterly.” What impression could this act create on the mind of the prisoner ? Is it to be supposed for one moment that it cuuld have any other result than that of making him look

upon the law as his natural enemy and something to be detested and shunned. It is clear that this case calls for quick remedy, and we sincerely trust that the attention of the G overnment will be called to it with a view to the speedy release of this poor wretch, who certainly has only exhibited traits of character which do him honour, and society and justice no harm. This is undoubtedly “ a crying scandal,” and a shameful “ persecution,” which calls loudly for immediate interference, and we trust that some member from his place in the House will call the attention of Ministers to the same.