Comments on Passing Events.

Wairarapa Standard, Volume XX, Issue 2024, 31 January 1887, Page 2

Comments on Passing Events.

Wellington, Jan 26, The Abortion Case.

The arrest of Dr Bussell at Christchurch is not the first time a doctor has been charged with the above offence, and he will probably not be the last. In fact, there is not the slightest doubt that if the detectives cared to trouble themselves, many other cases would be brought to light in other places ; but on this point I am not now going to trouble myself. In all such oases there is a good deal of one sidedness about the matter. In an infanticide case tried before Judge Bicbmond some years ago in Blenheim, the jury returned a verdict of Not Guilty; he made the remark that juries throughout the colony invariably took a lenient view of such cases. He further said that the only way justice could be done would be to have the man up also, but he was of opinion that such a course would nut answer. It is evident that if the “ social evil,” or the evil uuder notice is ever going to be eradicated from our system the man as well as the woman will have to be fqually responsible, and not let the unfortunate woman face all the disgrace. We see in every day life a brother whose actions in a certain direction would not bear the light of day, fondled and kissed by his sisters, while a sister for the same offence would be turned out of doors and shunned by those who should protect her. Until this one sidedness is put an end to, and woman has it in her power to put an end to it, these kind of occurrences whic l ' shock the sensitive feelings of a large nnmbc of people will never cease to occur periodi oally. Decently Dressed. Following on the yellow soap business, Mr Maxwell has issued a i ircnlar to the effect that officials should be decently dressed. It is not known to everybody, but it may be here stated that it is customary for officials to wear old coats at their work. Mo doubt this is one of the first principles of thrift advocated by Major Atkinson, but never carried out when State interests are concerned ; it is only when personal interests are at stake. 1 understand that the reason why our railway managei issued this famons circular was in consequence of seeing one of the officials wearing a coat which had been stitched up with packing thread. It was, from all accounts, as grand an attempt at needlework as the management of our railways is stated to be. Colonial.