THE SALAMAN CASE.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 December 1930, Page 6

THE SALAMAN CASE.

The New Plymquth committee which organised a petition to the Government on hehalf of Salaman, the man. who was recently convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to twelve months’ imprisonment, has asked to-day for publication 1 of a reply to the statement by Dr. George Home that appeared oh Saturday in the Taranaki Daily News. Dr. Home having offered certain opinions regarding Salaman’s legal responsibility, it is only fair that Salaman’s friends should be given an opportunity 'to present their opinions, and it is. evident that in framing their statement they have been nt great pains. As to the result they have achieved it is not our purpose to judge, but there are two passages .in the statement that demand comment. ■ One is the suggestion, that if a registered medical practitioner had been charged as Salaman was there would have been ample evidence from the medical profession to “secure an acquittal.” It is only necessary to say that the reputation of the medical profession and the record of the administration of justice in this country are such as to justify the assumption that.under the supposed circumstance's the acquittal would be right and proper. The other passage is that which describes Dr. Home’s statement as an attempt to discredit both Salaman and: his supporters. It\seems to. us that Dr. Home’s purpose was\very different. He stated a common-sense view of. the case and added some very interesting information on diseases—information which most people would welcome from such a source. The commit; tee’s reply expresses the viewpoint of those who differ from ' Dr.. Home, and its publication' probably may be regarded as the end of the matter. There is nothing more to be said concerning the request for Salaman>3 release. The Government has refused to interfere' on the very good ground that the proper tribunal to review Salaman’s conviction and sentence, if review is desired, is the •Criminal Court of Appeal. . The issue is a simple one, and the form of procedure is such that there is no need for preliminary publicity. v