FAIR PLAY FOR EVERY MAN.

Marlborough Express, Volume III, Issue 135, 12 September 1868, Page 4

FAIR PLAY FOR EVERY MAN.

To the Editor of the Marlborough Express. Sik, — The spirit of fair play which has hitherto characterised your journal, induces me to believe that you will not reiuse me a small space in your columns, to expiess my Opinion on certain proceedings which have recently transpired in Blenheim. The adage—“ Give a dog a bad name and hang him.” has been (I think) cruelly exemplified by the oppirobiuua which certain parties have attempted to fix u. on one of our townsmen. Your correspondents. •* Health, Peace, and Justice,” have poured forth their virtuous indignation on the iact of a man putting up Ins necessary in such part of his own land as was most convenient to bin.seif, and characterised the act as “ diabolical.” 1 should like to know their opinions on the conduct of those who amuse themselves by making effigies and suspend them over other people’s doors ; if they delight in such depraved recreation, why not confine themselves to their own premises. Why, too, should the peaceful solemnity of the Pahbalh morning be . disturbed by the exhibition of their puerile wit? The age in which "such proceedings uro tolerated must be sadly out of tune, and tha people who practise them tearfully demoralised.. , por my own part I can easily forgive those who seek to injure mo ; but to those who seek to oppress the weak aud

insult the laiieu, my enmity is as unrelenting as the grave. —Yours, See., CDM iNDIGNATIO. Blenheim, September 10th, 1868. To the Editor of the Marlborough Egress. . Silt, —lb was well-known that I was called down j South on business of the utmost importance, and which had to be attended, yet our Resident Magistrate, with the marked harshness he has shown to me in every instance, refused the postponement of a case against me for two days, although most urgently asked for by my solicitor (Mr. Nelson). Has fair play ceased to be a jewel, and is it a thing to be kicked away as prejudice or indifference may dictate ? Again judgment is given against me, although if the evidence of a medical man is to lie taken, the offence charged was not committed. Surely it is a point of either law or equity, that if there ,s evidence an offence was not committed notwithstanding, the judgment cannot follow ; but of course if sentence is made up beforehand, it does not matter what disproving evidence there may be brought forward on trial. Lastly, even allowing a nuisance had been committed, which was not, hut a mere pretence of one, for the purpose of seeing the fury of a disagreeable neighbour ; the fine amongst sensible unprejudiced gentlemen for a first offence is at a nominal rate of ss. or 10s., with expenses, which is heavy enough. But what will you say, Mr. Editor, to a fine of £5, with nearly as much again for expenses 1 Letting alone its being an improved offence, is this justice with mercy ?*'*** A liberal mind makes any man a gentleman, even if he is out at the elbows, and sleek-fed and clothed off the public, like some who don’t understand their position, or know when they are well off. Copies of his decisions in this case, as well as others, should be forwarded to our worthy Resident Magistrate’s superiors.—Yours truly, P. Lawrence. Blenheim, September 11th, 186 S.