Justice in New Guinea (Letter to the Editor)
p. 75 · Read in the full issue
most backward native labourer can operate the tiny engine.
Justice In New Guinea
Letter to the Editor.
T HAVE just read in your columns the effusion by our Mr. Mullaly and your reply thereto. Mr. Mullaly appears to be the leader of a little coterie in Rabaul, and cannot speak for the people outside.
To take up the attitude that a judge can do no wrong is both childish and illogical, as history shows. In our juryless courts, it is only a matter of being charged; and the odds are 99 to 1 that you are convicted, as a review of the cases tried will prove. This is a bad enough state in a British community, as there must be an element of doubt sometimes; but the prisoner seldom gets the benefit of it, and the sentences meted out to some unfortunates make certain famous judges of previous centuries turn green with envy.
As a resident of this country for several years I have spoken to many, and they are unanimous in endorsing your attitude toward Judge Wanliss. Even if they do not agree with you, I feel that every broadminded man will commend you for courage, as there are few journals courageous enough to criticise a judge, even when he does wrong.
I am, etc.,