CAPITAL PUNISHMENT.

Evening Star, Issue 21785, 30 July 1934, Page 12

CAPITAL PUNISHMENT.

TO THE EDITOR Sir,—l quite algree with your correspondents “ Before the Dawn ” and “ Justice ” regarding the necessity for a move to be made towards the abolition 'of the ghastly business of' inflicting capital punishment' in civil life, and also ill the Defence Forces.L understand . that during the' Great War nine New Zealanders, were- put to death by shooting, but that not on« Australian soldier suffered this fate. If capital punishment was not necessary to bludgeon the “ Aussies ” into doing, their duty it was equally, unnecessary, as far as the Now Zealanders were concerned, who, I believe, for courage and doggedness are the equal of any ur the world. I have often wondered. why. the R.S.A.s have never tried to have capital punishment abolished as far as the army is concerned at least.?. Apart from capital punishment there are many other laws.which need ; Almost every .day fresh restrictions, registrations, regulations, etc., are being imposed on us, by which means the people will ha regimented and regulated as in a vast prison camp, when all semblance of a priceless possession^-freedom—will be gone. But the question is: “ What method can best be employed to bring about desirable legal reforms and , protect the rights and ‘ liberties of the people? As a means to that end I would suggest Jhe formation of a puhlia association i called, the Public Welfare League, or some such name, at the meetings of which anyone would have the right to ■ bring up anv question, of public interest, and ,if the association so decided it could lend its effort* towards having the grievance remedied. Such a body would have plenty to do by endeavouring to have bad laws repealed and prevent unreasonable, unwarranted, and tyrannical interference with the activities and, liberties of the people, which seems to have become an obsession with officials and legislators alike to r day. But who will tak# the initiative?—l am, etc., • Libbett. July 27* ' V /