DOWNING A CRITIC.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume L, Issue 12243, 17 June 1909, Page 8

DOWNING A CRITIC.

.;■ Oii the staff of tho 'Tiytteltdn'Tfracs"' there "is a,'very ' promising and consc'ien;i.jbuYiialist"'*ii4.na'(Bd> Stanley East. Wi£h the Rickards ...Company now-touring New Zealand 'ifcKere is a very ordinary comedian named Kalnian. On a recent night in Christehurch Mr Kalnian sang a song or eangs which Mr. East, (who was; present . .with his wife) considered unworthy of a decent theatre^ "disgusting" was Mr East's epithtt. The "Lyttelton Times" is not finnicking-or old-maid'sh, and when one of its men calls any song "disgusting" you may lie-reasonably sure that that, song has in, it something unqiiestion'ably gross cr -However, that may bo, Mr East's criticism of the. objectionable 'item appeared in due course. Thereupon,, the •- Kalmon sought out Mr: East and brutally assaulted hinu Mr East went to court, where the assault was proved, and where evidence was given regarding tho propriety of. Mr EasVscriti-cjsm and the | beastliness.,of ; Kalman's song. The magistrate riiatlo some' severe remarks and fined Kal.man. £.IQ. .As a: punishment, the fii^e was"ridiculously inadequate. ' Kaliiian r ought, to have been sent ; tq ga^l,; there to. join the other i uffians. The Severe remarks of magistrates are .not jji^ely' "to hurt any man' -of ;N6r can it ba- presumed that a^fine* pf ; £10 would do more than. subject -Kaiman .toI:some 'tempor-,-JVryvjinconyenience. ■ IT the press is to ",i3o-;,it.3,4u'tyi"''the' law must, stand by it. If the press "unfairly derides or insults any ,niaij, the law. can be trusted to give tlra-fc man _ redress. J #; jSViule any .base '.comedian" can. enjoy the luxury of as^aultiiig^ a journalist on a payment of j it canttqt ise*-pr&tenafed that the ■^tessj'has { reasonable protection.