A case which is exciting a good deal of sympathy here is that in which a man named Hamilton brought an action against Constable Gordon for false imprisonment, and has been accorded .£2O damages and costs by the Supreme Court. Sometime ago a horse belonging to a settler down the Flat was tarred over—by whom or for what reason will now probably never bo known. Circumstances led Constable Gordon to arrest Hamilton and two others, who were acquitted by the Justices before ■whom the case was heard. The Judge, who was very rough on the Justices for signing the warrant for arrest without instituting proper enquiries into the circumstances before doing so, held that proceedings should have been by summons, and gave judgment as above.
It does not appear quite certain whether Constable Gordon will be personally re sponsible for the money, but if it is dis covered to be so, the money will be publicly subscribed in a very short time The public fully sympathise with Hamil ton, but they recognise that Gordon acted in good faith and to the best of his ability. Perhaps the proper course would be to bring the matter before the Minister for Justice before any other steps are taken.
The work of shifting the railway station buildings is now going on as fast as possible. The post office has been moved to a building formerly known as “ Tattorsall’s,” and it is quite amusing to note the number of people who go up and try the old door, and the look of surprise which suffuses their countenances as the thought gradually dawns upon them that they ought to know better.
