REPRIEVE GRANTED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22404, 28 April 1936, Page 12

REPRIEVE GRANTED

CASE OF BRITISH SUBJECT GOVERNMENT'S REQUEST SACRAMENTO, April 2G The Governor of California, Mr. Frank Merriam, to-day reprieved Alexander Mackay, a British subject, an hour before the time fixed for his execution. Mackay was sentenced on a charge of kidnapping prison officials in a futile attempt to escape from San Quentin gaol on January 16, 1935. The reprieve, which was for .SO days, was granted on the order of the Secretary of State, Mr. Cordell Hull, in response to a .request from the British Government. The case has aroused considerable interest in Britain, where public opinion expresses itself as being against the execution of Mackay. The charge against Mackay was that he had assaulted the warden of the gaol and kidnapped three prison directors in an official motor-car, in which he had planned to escape. The British Government interceded on Mackay's behalf, and efforts > were said to have been made to enlist the help of King Edward and members of Parliament. Mackay admitted having taken part in a plot to escape because ho had !),-cn sentenced for a crime he had not committed,' the others . sentenced for the same offence having been released on parole.