LAWRENCE JUSTICE.

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 237, 15 August 1872, Page 7

LAWRENCE JUSTICE.

(To tU Editor.)

Sir, — I always understood that it was the duty of the police and magistrates to protect the public, whose servants they are, and' at the same time when any of the public break tho laws, and do what is wrong, that they shall be justly dealt with. Now, sir, in the Magistrate's Court last Monday, two cases were heard ; both parties being summoned for allowing tilth to gather on their premises. My case was called first, and I pled not guilty. The Inspector of Nuisances gave his evidence. 1 then made my state-

ment. I had not any witnesses present; nor would the Magistrate allow me ten minutes to get them. My statement was therefore useless, and he would fine me not in ten pounds as the law allows, but in the mitigated penalty of one pound and costs for the tir&t offence. Now, sir, compare the fine as against fines iv Dunedin for the same offence, and yon will find rt is invariably a caution and costs.

The next case was the as same as mine, the worst of the two. He gt-ts off with a caution and costs of Court.

Now, sir, what I do complain most of is this, that if I am liable to be fined for allowing the manure of the staiile and any other rubbish to lie at the end of the yard for a month, or six weeks before being Uken away. I should like to know why, the Inspector makes a raid on two or three in place of servingall alike. However, seeing he has commenced his raid, I hope ho will do what he has never done before, summons rich and poor who are liable ; and not make fish of one, and flesh of another in a small town like this, where it cannot be done without being taken notice of, and which does more harm than good. In conclusion, I hope the good work commenced will be properly finished, and then we shall have Lawrence made a model town. — I am, &c, The One who was Fined a Poimn and Costs.