THE DEATH SENTENCE

Dominion, Volume 16, Issue 173, 10 April 1923, Page 7

THE DEATH SENTENCE

PETITION FOR TUHI’S REPRIEVE

A petition for the reprieve of Jo,hn Tuhi, who was condemned to death on March 22 for the murder of Herbert Knight at Johnsonville, has been drafted by Mr. J. A. Scott, who defended Tuhi at the trial. The document has been signed by some sixty or seventy persons, including a number of Maoris. T,he appeal for clemency is based on the claim that Tuhi’s upbringing has been against him. The petition states that Tuhi’s parents aro unable to give his age, but that it is probably about 20 years. Hie condemned man was born at Manunui, in the King Country. At the age of about two years he was sent to Jiis uncle at Tokaanu, and at the age of about eight ho returned to Manunui. At ten, he went to lokaanu again. At Tokaanu, Tuhi went to school, but for how long he cannot tell. The petition states that according to the results of inquiries made by the police, Tuhi must Jiave had not more than two months’ schooling. About two years ago he returned to Manunui, and after a disagreement with his parents, left them. Tuhi’s race, his immaturity, and above all his upbringing, aro brought to ijlio Governor-General’s notice as reasons for commuting the sentence. of capital punishment into one of imprisonment. “He has not had the benefit of proper home surroundings or a decent and proper chance of education,” savs the petition. .‘ He has been in the vital years of his life deserted by his parents, who have since, his arrest refused to ,liclp him in any way. and refused to answer all correspondence addressed to them dealing with his plight.” Tho petition will be presented on ■ Wednesday. It is understood that so far tho Executive Council has not considered Tuhi’s case. ’