The Chemis Case.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4763, 2 October 1893, Page 3

The Chemis Case.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — Allow me to refer your correspondent "Justice" to a very interesting little tale, " The case of Eunice Bivers," which appeared in the same issue that his letter was published in. I was very sorry to see such a cruel letter appear in your columns, as one portion of it is incorrect where he states, "as to Chemis* conviction, it is absurd that many people believe him to be innocent." I, for one, believe him to be innocent, and I have spoken to hundreds on the subject, and, with the exception of one besides "Justice," and Sir Robert Stout, all have stated they have believed Chemis to be innocent, and even the one who said he believed him guilty, stated that had he been on the jury, he should have brought him in "Not Guilty," because there were so many doubts about the affair. I have no doubts about the case at all as far as Chemis iB concerned, as I cannot in any way connect him with the crime. There is not a particle of evidence against him, and the assumed evidence can easily be explained away. I agree with "Justice" that bungling took place with those who had to find the murderer, and my impression is that they got on the wrong scent. Every link in the supposed chain of evidence broke down, and yet a victim, was wanted, and Chemis was the only one they had laid their hands upom The only evidence he was convicted upon was the paper evidence, and even allowing that evidence to be trne, a very easy explanation could be given to that. How many pieces of the Star conld be found to match other pieces in people's houses in Christchurch. I take a pair of boots or shoes to be mended, wrapped up in a piece of Star paper. The paper is thrown away, and is perhaps picked np by someone who is going on a shooting expedition, and who can tell what trouble that piece of paper might land me in. Chemis used to take his dinner to work wrapped up in a newspaper, and when he had done with it, threw it away. When we take into consideration that shooters used to trespass on Hawkinß' ground in pursuit of sport, much against his wish, which frequently led to quarrels, what is more reasonable than to suppose that some of the trespassers should pick up a piece of paper, found blowing about, for the use of their guns ? In the absence of direct proof of any kind, Chemis should have been acquitted, and no doubt he would have been without a stain upon his character had he not have been a poor friendless foreigner. I should like toaßk " Justice," if he had a beloved boy how he would like his boy to be the victim of such, bungling as that he refers to in his letter. — I am, &c, FAIB PLAY.