Citizens Say—

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1019, 9 July 1930, Page 8

Citizens Say —

THE OTHER SIDE Sir. — After reading: the correspondence regarding capital punishment, I think it is high time that another side of the question was brought forward. Not one of your tender-hearted contributors has expressed any sympathy with the agony and terror of the poor victim. Oh. no! The poor murderer must not suffer, neither must his feelings nor those of his family be hurt. Of course, it does not matter about the sufferings of the victim and the feelings of his relations. If it were possible the murderer should be made to suffer exactly the same as his victim. Murder, especially deliberate murder, is sheer brutality and wickedness, and hanging is too good for the crime, for unconsciousness occurs immediately. The world is no better for such mushy sentiment, and justice is justice. A WOMAN. “CARRY OUT DEATH PENALTY” Sir, Letters from the sympathetic advocating the abolition of the death penalty have appeared in The Sun. Now one for the other side. As it is well known, arguments have two sides. These letters mentioned above quote American law, and how it is, or may be, carried out. Now, who is desirous of acquiring American legal methods? It is well known that they cannot even carry out some of their own laws. Again, in some States, intimidation is s<J rife, that they are afraid so to do. Take Chicago; no one there has yet the courage even to attempt a cleanup of the criminal element. Anyone possessing a desire to effect such a reform seems to receive advice to resign. Furthermore, in America, where freedom from the death penalty is in force, there are occasions when no bones are made of taking some unfortunate individual out of the hands of the law and lynching him on a lamppost, in barbarous fashion, for crimes in many cases fess sericus than murder. Not much consistency there, If the death penalty was abolished by them for humane reasons. We need not, therefore, look to America as an exemplar in the administration of laws. The death penalty increases murders, rather than*prevents them, says a correspondent. Common sense says such an argument is ridiculous, as the fear of death is ever present, and must, therefore, be a deterrent to crime. The knowledge of the law’s penalty for murder affects the school children, so masters say. So does the stick. And as much as the stick is a check on bad boys, so, too. will the rope remain as a

(To the Editor.)

check to likely murderers. Mhat the children know of the law now. will assist them later on, for it is wise to teach them young, and even force them to obey. For the common safety the law is written, and its penalties for nonobservance are in proportion to the crimes. Therefore, sympathy has no right to obtrude unduly, for any modification of the penalties is simply playing into the hands of the lawless, and the abolition of the death penalty would stand as a convenient arrangement for future murderers. LEX. WHO WILL HELP HIM? Sir.--Pleas© allow me, a distressed exserviceman. a little of your space to state my case, I have two and a-half years’ active service with an unblemished record. I have been out of permanent work for the past seven months, getting an odd day once in a while at all sorts of work. In my search for employment, I have been half around the North Island. I ana prepared to do anything that will give me a living. My usual calling is that of a motor-driver. I have the finest references that can be produced . . . but I am right up against it, not being able to pay my rent. I have been asked to leave within a week, the house in which I am living. I have a wife and four young children, all of whom are down with 'flu at present. Our total cash in hand is four shillings, and there are no prospects in view except a half-prom-ise which may bear fruit in about six weeks’ time or perhaps longer. But in the meantime what is going to happen to my family? DIGGER. The address of this correspondent has been left with The Sun, and the editor will be pleased to give particulars to anv person who is prepared to offer work to this man. SAFETY ON STEAM BUSES Sir, — I read recently in The Sun that the Transport Board is experimenting with a steam bus and that there is a possibility of its fleet ultimately being converted from petrol to steam. Now. in my opinion, it will be necessary to appoint men trained and experienced in handling steam-driven machines as drivers: men used to dealing with steam boilers, engines, general repairs. The law reads that everyone in charge of a steam vehicle shall bold a traction enginedriver’s ticket. For the safetv of the public this should be enforced. Again, to have a. trained, experienced enginedriver in charge would create confidence. At the same time, it would decrease expenditure, as the cost of

repairs would be less and toe P. would be kept in good con driver. too, should hold a City C driving certificate and should u .31 a test for eyesight, as railway » drivers have to do. In the the travelling public the Board should give this earnest attention. In fact, toe L ‘ * ment should make it compute© only trained enginedrivers ? 1 employed. There are today a nujnj of skilled enginedrivers out v* nnd if they given the drivers of the new steam public would gain confidence in new vehicles. ENGINEER-