NEW LYNN MURDER.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 161, 10 July 1928, Page 5

NEW LYNN MURDER.

IMPRISONMENT OF NORGROVE

EXPLANATION BT PRIME

MINISTER.

u SENTENCED FOR LIFE."

In response to representations Bide by the family of the victim of the New Lynn murder, the Prime Minister bu written explaining what the commutation of the death sentence means. Mr. Coates says that the warrant under the hand of his Excellency the GovernorGeneral commuting the sentence of death prescribes as follows:—'"That the said Alan George Norgrove shall be kept in imprisonment for hard labour for the term of his natural life." "I might mention," continues Mr. Coates, "that there is in law no distinction between a sentence for life and a sentence for the term of a natural life. In each case the sentence is a sentence for life, and in neither case can a remission of sentence or release from prison be granted without the prior consent of his Excellency the Governor-General in Council. Since my return to Wellington I have conferred with the Minister in charge of Prisons, and I am glad to be able to assure you that every precaution will be taken to guarantee Norgrove'a safe custody while in prison. ".As the whole of the facts and the circumstances relating to the case, including your own representations, are on record for future reference, you and the relatives of the unfortunate woman who was murdered can rest assured that the interests of justice and the safety of society will be the first consideration in the event of the case being reviewed in years to come."