THE CASE OF CHARLES GABB.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVI, Issue 9436, 6 August 1889, Page 3

THE CASE OF CHARLES GABB.

TO THE EDITOR.

Sib, —In your issue of to-day there appears a letter re the case of Charles Gabb. In ib the writer reflects strongly on the Bench, police, witnesses, etc., engaged, in the case. The letter is a mass of misstateinents, and I am surprised that such a production should have emanated from Mr.Jt'ewcombe. The sum and substance of it is that all concerned have conspired against an innocent man. As my name has been given prominence, I desire a brief space for reply. Mr. Kewcombe states that he has visited Onehunga, and there does not appear to be any valid ground for even suspecting Gabb, and that the sergeant of police does nob believe that Gabb wrote the letters. It is quite evident that, to use a slang term, Mr. Newcombe has been "given away." I know that the sergeant of police is more than ever convinced that Gabb did write them. He also states I consider myself an expert in writing; may I ask what ground he has for saying so ? In the witness box I simply told the bench what experience in handwriting I had had, and the magistrates took my evidence for what it was worth. The opinion I then expressed was that whoever wrote the documents submitted to me wrote the letters also. In this opinion I was supported by two other gentlemen of considerable experience. A writing expert in the exact sense of the term probably does not exist in the colony, and the police simply subpceiiaed those whom they considered to be the best) judges in such matters. For myself I can say thab - I had: not even heard of the man nor seen him until he was charged with the offence, wijclv less had a prejudice against

him. After hearing the caction adminia tered to the defendant by the Resident Magistrate, I am compelled to believe that the decision amounted to what the Scotch law calls " Not proven" ; one thing is certain, the Resident Magistrate specially commended the police for what they had done, and stated that they had only don< their duty in bringing the charge. Mr, Newcombe also reflects on the librarian, who requested Mr. Gabb to pay the sumoi 6d per month for the use of the reading room. It is not " free," everybody haa to pay the above sum. Wherein then lies the unfairness of asking Gabb to do likewise 'I This will show your readers on whab a superficial inquiry Mr. Newcombe rushed into print, and how unfitted he is to pasa any opinion on the case in point.—l anij etc., Ralbh D. Sxbwakt. Onehunga, sth August, 1889.