"UNJUST JUSTICE"

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 7, Issue 415, 4 October 1918, Page 4

"UNJUST JUSTICE"

Referring to a case heard at Te Awamutu Police Court last Monday the " Waipa Post " writing under the above heading says: The practice of deporting unde»irable« out of the city into the country warrants every protest hitherto made and demands more determined attention in the future. The criticism, almost amounting to resentment expressed by the Justices at the Te Awamutu court might well be taken up by the public, and renewed protest go to those in authority. The particular incident leading up to the present criticism is glaring enough; but it is only in keeping with the standard " penalty" imposed on offenders who come before the Courts in the metropolis. Here was an offender—a returned soldier certainly, whose badge in the ordinary way entitled him to every consideration —possessing a record of crime which was much above the average. He had hitherto paid the class of offence. And yet, when he comes again within reach of the law, it is considered right and in the interests of society, to deport him to the country. It is true that environment may have a determining effect on th® criminally inclined, and that reformative treatment may be a desirable condition to work for in the administration of law. But it has yet to be proved that freedom in the open surround* ings of the country is the right environment for the man who has lived for years in the atmosphere of crime. Nor has experience demonstrated the wisdom of shifting the undesirables on from place to place, causing them to wander aimlessly, a menace to all society and a danger to every community which affords them temporary lodging. There can be no social reform in this sort of thing, and the practice of hustling the army of undesirables from one end of the country to the other has positively nothing to commend it. The system lacks all the qualities of discipline and control, of reformative influence and the moulding of character. It only cultivates a spirit of unrest, of resentment and fear against society; its general tendency is for lawlessness and disorder. Moreover, the isolation of the country, and the constant police supervision found in the cities, is an incentive for, rather than a deterent against crime. From" every viewpoint the country suffers a hardship when called upon to harbour the deported criminal of the city, without being able to give, in return, any apparent benefit to the men whose return as good and useful members of society is earnestly sought. On these grounds, protest is amply justified, and it may be hoped that protest will not be withheld.