JUSTICE.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume II, Issue 197, 3 September 1894, Page 2

JUSTICE.

(To the Editor) Sib, —A paragraph appeared in your last issue referring to the charge brought by Constable Cooper against George Scrimshaw. The paragraph says that a serious oifeuce has been committed, gives details of the otfence, and concludes by staling that George Scrimshaw has been arrested on suspicion—thus making it appear that nothing more remains except ;o show that i the right offender has been charged. Now, sir, in the interests of justice and to counteract the serious damage which the publication of such a paragraph might occasion tc ray client, 1 wish to point out that the matter is still before the Court and that notiiing in connection with toe charge is as yet proved. I wish to state that so far the unsupported evidence of one uttle girl has been taken, that she was not cross-examined, and that ner evidence dues not agree with the statements made !in your paper. I can only assume that i Constable Cooper has informed you of his opinion of the case. If the constable did | so with the knowledge that it would be published he has taken a most improper 1 course—calculated to prejudice the pnblie and men who might possibly have to act as j iryraen in the caee. The first principle of p slice is to condemn .10 one unheard’, and 1 ask the public generally to form no opinion in tne present matter till the evidence is taken.—l am, &c., G. Harold Smith.