THE LAW OF SUICIDE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXI, Issue 276, 22 November 1890, Page 5

THE LAW OF SUICIDE.

ADVERSELY CRITICISED.

For some years now the law relating to the punishment of suicides has been almost ignored, and this fact was commented upon at tho Police Court this morning. John Hynea was charged with having attempted to kill and murder himself by shooting with a pistol. Mr J. A. Tolu appeared for the accused. 1 Sargeant-Major Pratt asked leave to withdraw the charge. He said that the man had expressed contrition for liis conduct, and ib was no use committing him for trial to the Supremo Court now. Mr Tole said thab tho man had been suffering for some time past from acute rheumatism, and had tried many so-called cures. Ab length some person recommended him to take gin and mustard, which hedid liberally, with the resulb thab the spirit gob to his head, and ho raueb have been in a etate of temporary aberration when he committed the act. The man had since experienced greab suffering, and- had also been pub to some expense. He therefore trusted that His Worship would permit bhe charge to be withdrawn. Dr. Giles said ib seemed to him strange thab the legislature did nob condescend to mako some alteration in this matter. At present tho old law remained, bub had practically died out. Ib was no use committing persons charged with tbie misdemeanour to the Supreme Court, as tho judges, and no doubt rightly, refused to infltob any penalty. Still, the legislature left bhe magistrates to face the law that called upon them to treat such cases as misdemeanours. The case would be withdrawn, and ho hoped it would be a warning to the accused.