THE Waikato Independent. THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 1906. MISTAKEN SYMPATHY. THE BRIDGE CONTRACT.

Waikato Independent, Volume IV, Issue 239, 14 June 1906, Page 4

THE Waikato Independent. THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 1906. MISTAKEN SYMPATHY.

THE BRIDGE CONTRACT.

THEBE is no denying the fact that the growing tendency of the age is to look upon serious offences against law and order as something to be condoned, and in this connection there appears to bo a great reluctance on the part of juries to share the responsibility of awarding the extreme penalty in cases of murder. The latest instance of this was in the trial of William Knowles, found guilty of wife murder at Palmerston North last Friday. The crime was a cold-blooded and brutal one, and yet the jury recommended the culprit to mercy on the ground of his abnormal state of mind. Such a plea could be reasonably advanced in mitigation of the sentence on almost any prisoner because few criminals have well-balanced brains. If creatures of the Knowles type deserve special consideration, then it is about time that capital punishment was abolished. The history of events leading up to the deed do not present the convict in a favorable light. When Knowles returned from the South African war Mrs Knowles was living with her husband at Nelson. An intimacy sprang up between Knowles and his victim, and in consequence the latter’s husband obtained a divorce. Knowles thereupon married her, and the pair proceeded to Palmerston North, Mrs Knowles taking her children with her. Then Knowles refused to support his wife unless she sent the children by her former husband away. This Mrs Knowles naturally declined to do, and in consequence there were frequent quarrels over the matter,' the woman going so far as to sue Knowles for maintenance. This was the prelude to the tragedy. Knowles purchased a six-chambered revolver soon afterwards, with which he killed his wife. Here is a nice specimen of humanity to show sympathy towards. He first of all parts a married couple and their children and then murders his wife in a heartless fashion. Pity is quite out of place in a crime of tins description, and unless the man is insane the recommendation of the jury is not worth a moment’s consideration by the Executive. If false sentiment is allowed to intervene on Knowle’s behalf, then diabolical crimes of this sort will continue to multiply in the colony.

The announcement made that the contract for the high level bridge had been lot, should be gratifying news to the residents of Cambridge East and West, as this important and necessary connecting link not only means bringing great benefits to both localities, but to the whole district. The Mayor, who has been supported by the Councillors in this progressive work, is fully entitled to the heartfelt thanks of the community for his personal efforts. He has certainly not spared himself, as he has devoted much time and thought to the bridge question. Indeed, very few people are aware of the vast amount of work, to say nothing of worry, be has done in order to bring the matter to a bead. Many a man would have given up the struggle in despair ; but Mr Buckland stuck to his task, and gradually overcome the many difficulties that lay in bis path, and now wo are pleased to say that in nine or twelve months the long-looked for bridge will span the river. THE MINISTRY. Ax animated discussion is going on amongst politicians as to whether the life of the Ministry terminates owing to the death of the Premier, quite a number of members holding that the Government is at an end. They apparently lose sight of the fact that when Mr Bailanco died Mr Scddon was chosen by the Cabinet to fill the vacancy. We arc of the opinion that Mr Hall-Jones will hold the Premiership until the return of Sir Joseph Ward to the colony. Then the Ministry will be reconstructed, and there is no doubt that there will be an infusion of new blood into its ranks.