JUDGE RICHMOND'S CHARGE AT HOKITIKA.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 556, 18 September 1869, Page 2

JUDGE RICHMOND'S CHARGE AT HOKITIKA.

At the opening of the Supreme Court at Hokitika, on Monday, Judge Richmond delivered to the Grand Jury one of those charges which, coming from, him, are always so worthy of heing listened to, and refreshing to read. The following are some of its passages:— PECULATION BY PUBLIC OFFICEBS. I am first struck hy the large numher of charges cf embezzlement, and I am very sorry to see amongst these cases, charges against two public fffL-ers. Such cases call for a very firm and unrelaxing administration of the criminal law. I certainly hope, and I am sure that all good citizens will join me in the hope, that no technical difficulties will prevent the punishment of the guilty. I hope the day is far distant when peculation on the part of public officers will be shielded in this Colony. But it is well to remember that the only safe-

guard, the true and ultimate safeguard in these cases, is the power of public opinion. If there is not purity in that, this Court cannot secure it. In cases of this class, where punishment falls on men really ill able to bear it, upon men whose reputations have been good or even spotless, it not infrequently happens that, on grounds of natural pity and cotnuiiseration, attempts are made to ward off, or to mitigate, the proper consequences of crime. I say a sound public opinion would condemn such ill-judged leniency. That opinion too must be brought to bear upon the fountain head of political power. It must be prompt and active to condemn corruption in the Legislature; for if your legislative is affected you must expect your executive and judicial departments will, at no long interval, be affected also. This is no fancied danger when we consider the state of other democratic countries, when we look at America, and even at some of the neighboring colonies. Let us secure purity at the fountain head ; without which it is vain to expect it in the derivative streams, Once admit corruption there, and depend upon it there will be an end of all good government.

THE FASHION OF SUICIDE. There are three cases on the calendar of attempts at suicide; a misdemeanor. I regret to see so many charges, and hope it may not be going to become, as is possible, a fashion in the place. The frequency of these attempts at self-murder is a matter for deep reflection. I put it to you, I have asked myself, whether these cases indicate any special evil in our existing state of society. That, I think, is doubtful. It may be that these cases arise from ordinary causes, and mav be attributed to a sudden access of anger; to reaction, consequent on sensual excesses; to disappointed passion ; or, to an over-lively sense of the cares and miseries of life. But, though I have said it is doubtful, it has occurred to me that there are some things in our social state which may specially conduce to these attempts. You must feel, we must all feel, that in the hurry-scurry life upon a goldfield there is an extra amount of wear and tear, and there is a sad want of relief in the shape of real social enjoyment. There are always too many opportunities for the gratification of the lower appetites, but the deficiency is in the opportunities for the gratification of higher tastes and feelings. Many of you must feel this ; must feel that lift: is slipping through your fingers before you begin to live. "We have here a sort of camp life, and cannot expect to find those provisions, noble public buildings, libraries, museums, parks, and other appliances for innocent recreation which are to be found at the great centres of civilisation. lam not, while saying this, unmindful of what has beeu done in this direction. I see that efforts have been, and are being, made by you ; efforts which under the circumstances are highly praiseworthy. But I put it to you, as leading citizens, could you not redouble your efforts in that direction I put it to you that if we do not enjoy our lives now, we shall find that we are unable to do so when wo would. When we have made our " pile," we shall be past enjoying it, and it would be well for us if we thought a little less of making a "pile," a little more of using it. I repeat, that in saying this, I am not blind to the efforts which have been and are being made ; but these cases may indicate the necessity of increased action, and that action I would urge upon you. Take the case of a woman, for instance, a woman whose life is passed behind a bar, handing tumblers of grog to half drunken men. What true enjoyment of life can she have; what a life her's must be, and is it not almost a sign of her sanity that she tries to end it. I do not now speak of that class of unfortunates who minister to the lowest appetites. These, in all countries, we must expect to find, from time to time, seeking in suicide a termination of their mental and physical misery and degradation; but I refer to a large number of other women, who are condemned by circumstances to a life of unremitting toil, bringing them into constant contact with the lowest side of human nature. And, it may be, that opening out the sources of rational enjoyment would save a few such from these rash attempts.