THE SOUTHLAND MURDER.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXI, Issue 194, 9 August 1895, Page 3

THE SOUTHLAND MURDER.

♦ In intimating that he committed Keown for trial, Mr Hawkins, S.M., said : — I have been struck with the attitude of a certain number of persons at Riversdale and here (Gore). I do not complain that anybody should entertain sorrow for a criminal — provided that they do not allow that sorrow to interfere with justice — but it is horrible to think that any man or woman m this colony should have sympathy with crime. I hope that those who have confused the two m their minds will consider what I say, for no more dangerous evil can rear its head m any community than a sympathy — criminal or cowardly, open or disguised — with crime: I was compelled to protest this afternoon against levity m the audience m this court, and then referred to acts of cowardice. I want to make it plain that I did not refer to Middlemiss. If fear lent him wings, I think he was only too well justified m his fear. He was unarmed and wholly defenceless, and I am glad that he escaped. The cowardice I referred to is that of those who stood by, unquestionably anticipating violence, and, instead of preventing it, who passively acquiesced if they did not actually assist. I am convinced that Hornney and Windus have not told this Court all that they know. It is to be hoped that m a higher court they will not persevere m their course of concealment. They have a duty to justice higher than any other duty whatever.