THE FREEMAN ON THE PROCOFFI TRIAL.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 3843, 23 April 1881, Page 2

THE FREEMAN ON THE PROCOFFI TRIAL.

In the case of the unfortunate Maori, who was so foully murdered at Te Aroha in the beginning of February last, justice is for once at fault. After a patient and protracted investigation of the strong array of circumstantial evidence brought against the man Procoffii, the jury find themselves unable to bring in a verdict a of " Guilty," and the accused was therefore acquitted. Apart from any consideration of the wisdom on unwisdom of this act, it must be admitted on all hands that the successful evasion of punishment by the culprit, whoever he may be, is a matter to be deeply deplored. It does not often occur that a Maori is murdered by a European, and when such a crime does occur it is highly desirable that it should be sheeted home with the least possible delay, and an example made of the offender. The Maori mind would then be impressed with a respect for a law which vindicates itself unerringly upon the guilty person, irrespective of race or sectarian differences, and there would be a natural inclination to observe strictly its precepts. The failure -to punish the guilty on the contrary will not only create a feeling of contempt, but also raise grounds for the belief that our justice is partial, and that people of our own colour can offend with with impunity against the aboriginal race. Maoris are ndt apt to see the contradictions which such an idea will involve, for, accepting a recent instance of unexpiated crime as their cue, they will determine the general by the particular.