REPRIEVE NOT GRANTED.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18888, 10 December 1924, Page 9

REPRIEVE NOT GRANTED.

HULL MURDER CASE.

FRANTIC PUBLIC APPEALS. UNPRECEDENTED AGITATION. ' By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. (Received 9.C0 p.m.) A. mid N.Z. LONDON. Dec. 8. The unprecedented demonstrations at Mull in support of the agitation for the reprieve of the condemned murderer, William Smith,, were continued to-day. Thousands of telegrams were sent to the King, the Prime Minister and the Home Secretary. Deputations also waited on the two latter and urged the reprieve of Smith.

In spite of this the Home Office announces that the representations made offer no ground which would justify a reprieve.

Lieutenant Commander Kcnworthy, Liberal M.P. for Hull, who was a member of one of the deputations, stated on his arrival in London that he had never seen anything like tho spontaneous outburst of feeling among all classes in Hull in favour of the condemned man. He said there would be riots and bloodshed if something were not done.

There would have been a general strike at Hull to-day if Sir W. Jovnson Hicks, Home Secretary, had not agreed to see the deputation.

Intercession services and protest meetings were held throughout the day at Hull. It was arranged that continuous pickets should be posted outside the prison, with the view of intercepting the hangman.

Smith's mother arranged to pray outside the gaol all night.

The murder has not attracted wide attention. The newspapers agree that never previously lias there been such general demand for a reprieve. It is based on Smith's age (26 years), his previous blameless character and his fine, war record, also to the fact that he immediately gave himself un after the crime, in committing which, he said, lie temporarily " saw red."

LAST-MINUTE EFFORTS. MOTHER'S PITIFUL STATE. MAYORESS APPEALS TO KING. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association (Reed. 11.35 p.m.) LONDON. Dec. 9

Early this morning a telegram was sent to His Majesty pleading with him to exercise his prerogative and reprieve Smith. The message was signed by the Lady Mayoress of Hull, the sheriff, and president of the Trades Council. There is not the slightest indication, however, of a respite..

The scenes have been strikingly similar to those in connection with an Australian case earlier in the year. The Home Secretary was deeply moved while listening to a deputation. He sat with his head in his hands and said no one felt the responsibility more than he did.

Even the brother of the murdered woman telegraphed to Sir Joynson-Hicks saying: "On behalf of my murdered sister I pray you to grant a reprieve."

Late last night an organised crowd marched to the prison * and sang hymns within the hearing of the condemned man. A large force of police prevented a disturbance.

Smith's mother, when told there was no reprieve, said: "There is no justice. I am going to pray alone."