The Larkin Case

Public Petition Suggested

Letter to the Editor.

SO much has been written in your valued journal for both sides as re gards the Larkin case that I have been content to sit back and listen to the general discussions before troubling you with my own views. Now is the time when I consider something should-be done of a practical nature, and to this end I make my suggestion.

Your journal has ably placed facts of the case before the public of this Terri tory. There are still strong discussions by both sides on the question; “Was J. J.

Larkin guilty of murder?” And as all previous correspondents on the case claim to be fair minded they will wel come a suggestion to reopen the case and let a commission judge as to the guilt or otherwise of J. J. Larkin and as to whether the sentence was excessive or

justified. Certainly, there is doubt, so let us have fair play. No one, even Lar kin’s most ardent critic, would welcome a miscarriage of justice. Remember, there was no appeal in this case, and there has often been an acquittal after an appeal in British courts.

Therefore, to have this case finalised,, let a petition be circulated in this Ter ritory, praying for the re-opening of the case, and let the case be heard by a com mission and let the verdict of such court or commission be final. The petition should be placed in Rabaul for signatures (it could be placed in the hands of an officer or some other person travelling on one of the boats) and then sent round Territory for further signatures.

Now, Mr. Editor, what about getting the petition going in Rabaul—leave it with your agent and have it sent round.

As this petition is for a re-hearing of the Larkin case, even those government officials whom I have heard denounce- Larkin must welcome a further tribunal whose verdict will end all this con troversy.

Trusting you will give this expression of opinion in your journal.

I am, etc.,

Fairplay.

New Guinea, 10/6/’34.