THE QUINN CASE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXXV, Issue 3827, 9 May 1913, Page 6

THE QUINN CASE.

(To tho Editor.) Sir,—The recent application for a certificate of fitness made bv J. R. Quinn before Mr Barton reminds me of an application made at Westport .some years ago, when tin* applicant met with strenuous opposition from tho police and was eventually counted out. He subsequently contested the presidential chair for the local Miners’ Union, and won easily, whereupon he was immediately appointed a Justice of the Peace by the Government—so although lie was unfit to conduct an hotel he was fitted to administer the laws of the country. I would suggest that tile same honor he conferred on Mr Quinn as a reward for the treatment lie, has received from the local authorities. However wlmt concerns me most ).s this: I would like to ask my fellowresidents of Whatatutu if wo should not take action to remove the slur east upon them by Constable .Doyle during tho hearing of the. ease. For the benefit of those who did not hear it I will give the facts as produced. The Constable swore that he visited the hotel every month that Air Quinn was licensee and found drunkenness, and disorderly conduct on the promises. Asked by counsel why he had not prosecuted Mr Quinn for breaches of tho Act, ho replied because there was a gang at Whatatutu who would swear anything sooner than see Mr Quinn convicted. When pressed to state who .tho gang.were, he said he was referring to residents. Now, Sir, a vague charge like that is equivalent to saving that the residents include a lot of would-be perjurers and lawbreakers, and I consider that Constable Doyle should bo mode to withdraw that statement and apologise. Failing that, the residents should communicate with the Mims' ?v for Justice.—l am, etc., “WHATATUTU R F.STDENT. ’’