THE “ROYAL” CASE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2062, 21 June 1890, Page 2

THE “ROYAL” CASE.

TO THE EDITOR, Sie, — As my name is more than once unpleasantly mentioned in the above case, and as I and others are classed by Constable Morton as low thieves and blackguards, the worst characters in the district, etc., will i you kindly permit me to state a few facts in connection with the affair. In the first place, I and others in the room when the constable called were boarders, paying our way, and giving no annoyance to anyone. At that time ef the evening our proper place was in the hotel, our home for the time being.- The best of good feeling prevailed, there was no quarrelling, profane language, or anything being said or done which would constitute a rowdy house (in fact, the only exhibition of bad temper and immoderate language seems to have been given by Mr Morton himself), so that I don’t see how Mr McAteer could have interfered had he wished to do so. As to my personal character I defy Mr Morton or any other person to point to one dishonest action on my part during my 16 years of colonial life. I

do not for a moment intend to defend drunkenness. lam quite aware that it is the cause of many great crimes, but I maintain that there is a marked difference between the company described by Mr Morton as being in the Royal that evening and the man who serves a day a week or even a month in prison on account of drunkenness. | Apart from my character, and looking 1 at the affair as a matter of public interest, it seems plain that the intellectual status of our police force should be raised. What is wanted is more brains, even if we give more money for it. There is but a thin line divides the ignorant official from the petty despot, and I hope Mr Morton may never degenerate into that. More intellect in its police force would pay the country in the long run, because miserable charges like the “ Royal ” cases would not so often set the expensive machinery of the law in motion, real crime would be more effectually followed up and stamped out, and a tar better feeling would prevail between the police and the people. .Now, sir, I happen to have relatives in this district whose good character and respectability would satisfy even Mr Morton, and who are * not a little annoyed at the affair. It r is on their account more than my own ! that I ask you to publish this ; indeed, ' I should have tried another plan only that I am afraid our laws are not so i perfect but that anyone can make statements and insinuations in open i court which, being liable to misconstruction, become detrimental to the character of others.—l am, &c., 1 Peter Copland. The Downs, Temuka, ! June 19, 1890.