THE GAGGING ACT.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13449, 24 November 1905, Page 7

THE GAGGING ACT.

A CHALLENGE TO THE PREMIER.

(From Our. Ovw Cobhespondest:.)

WELLINGTON, November 23. In a leading article headed "A Oaso for the Police," the Tost to-night refers to Air John IMhTe's outspoken criticism. " Seeing that Mr Dut.liic was so frank," it saj-3, "'in at once recognising the enormity of his offcpcc, wo have the less delicacy in indicating to the Premier his plain duty m the matter, What, is, from our point of view, unprintable is also, by virtue o£ the Criminal Code Amendment Act of last session, unspeakable in the presence of more than 20 persons. As the disinterested guardian of the public morals, as the proud author of this Magna Charta for the protection of public men, and as watchful champion of his own reputation, tlio Premier is under a triple obligation to put tlie law in motion. Nothing: but the 'naked truth can save the Opposition candidate for Wellington North from gaol if Mr Scddon institutes a prosecution and gets a jury prepared to administer the act aceordiiii'i to its true intent and spirit. Besides proving the bona fides of the new act and elsaring the Premier's reputation, the conviction of .Mr Duthie plight give the Government its best chance of securing one of tho city seats.' ' But if the experiment is not tried the conclusion is either that Mr Duthie stsoko nothing hut, Ilia truth or that the Criminal Code Amendment Act was only passed to, protect a particular man froin a particular opponent both of which alternatives are surely unbelievable."