THE WEAK HAND OF THE LAW.

Feilding Star, Volume 7, Issue 2136, 15 February 1929, Page 4

THE WEAK HAND OF THE LAW.

Judge Blair is being called to account by the press of Auckland for dealing so leniently with the two highway robbers convicted of the hold-up at Westfield when firearms were used to hinder pursuit. For. such a serious offence, in which there wore no extenuating circumstances, tile Judge imposed the ridiculously inadequate sentence of only one year’s reformative detention. Where is the punishment, to fit the crime there and wherein does the Judge provide the'.warning to others not to emulate the highwaymen? Auckland has had its crime waves that have included murder. The Westfield robbers came near to the capital crime by attempt as well -is by intent. If our Judges do not make the punishment inflicted adequate to the crime committed when criminal;, are convicted how can they hope to help in the necessary task,'for which they ar fl well paid, in keeping down crime and minimising the growth of criminals?