A Legal Muddle

B.S.I. Criminal Escapes Part of Punishment

SUVA, July 5.

THE reduction of the sentence imposed on Punuhuru, from five to two years’ imprisonment, for the assault on a Euro pean lady in the Solomons, is the outcome of what appears to be an extraordinary legal muddle. It was found that the native had been convicted of a crime with which he was not charged, and which carried a maximum of two years’ gaol.

The High Commissioner, it can be said, is much perturbed by the development. It was never intended that this native should escape severe punishmnt; and the reduction of his sentence was something that was not contemplated. The law on the subject is quite clear, however.

The High Commissioner is making re presentations to the Colonial Office on the subject of native crime in the Solomons. [EDITORIAL NOTE.—This late message from Suva throws some light upon an extraordinary report from the Solomons, that the native who was guilty of the brutal attack on Mrs. Downs had had his altogether inadequate sentenced re duced to two years. We have received several letters cn the subject, some couched in violent terms. We shall deal with the whole subject in next issue of the P.I.M.] IT is officially announced, following one postponement, that the first official airmail experimental flight to Papua and New Guinea in the monoplane ‘‘Faith in Aus tralia” will commence on July 24. The aeroplane will leave Melbourne that morn ing and will call at Sydney, Brisbane, Rockhampton. Townsville, Port Douglas (near Cairns). Port Moresby (Papua), and Lae (New Guinea).