DEATH PENALTY

New Zealand Herald, Volume 82, Issue 25202, 15 May 1945, Page 4

DEATH PENALTY

REINSTATEMENT URGED . GRAND JURY'S VIEW COMMENT BY JUDGE (0.C.) ' WANG-ANtJI, Monday The grand jury had unanimously agreed that the Government be asked to reconsider the question of reinstating the death penalty in cases of wilful murder, said the foreman, Mr A. R. Donaldson, when the grand jury returned at the opening of the Supreme Court in Wanganui today. "We are perturbed at the number of cases of this nature coming before the Courts." Mr Donaldson added. "This matter will be sent on to the Minister of Justice," said Mr Justice •Johnston. "It would not be right for me to express an opinion, as this is a matter of policy, but such a recommendation is well within the province of a grand jury, and it is only right that you should do so." It was a fact, said His Honor, that an impression was gaining ground that human life had not the sanctity that it had hitherto. "It. is well that this recommendation should be taken notice of," he added. "1 think that, due to various circumstances, there has been an increase in the number of crimes of this nature in the last two or three years, at any rate." In his charge to the grand jury earlier in the morning, His Honor commented that, the grand jury represented the district. "It is your function to deal with the machinery that promotes justice throughout the land. You are entitled to make any presentation you like on this administration. That is your privilege, and one that has been exercised by grand juries throughout the years. It seems to the good of the body politic that grand juries, apart from occasional appearances at criminal sessions, should take part in the machinery and administration of justice." RANGOON GAOL

COMMENTS BY AIRMEN TWO AUCKLANDERS FREED (R.N.Z.A.F. Official Xewg Service) BURMA FRONT, May 12 A New Zealand Hurricane pilot who was in the Rangoon gaol was among the freed prisoners of war who have just arrived at Calcutta. He is FlyingOfficer C. Krause, of Auckland. He had been a prisoner since the end of 1942. Another long-term prisoner was Flights Lieutenant D. L. McGregor-Macdonald, of Kerikeri, who bailed out from a Wellington on April 1. 1943. At that time he had completed 22 operations over Germany and the same number over Burma.

j Flight-Lieut. McGregor Macdonald 1 These officers had to dig gun positions : for the Japanese and work on the docks, : but the dock work had the compensation that they could obtain extra food from the cargoes, which consisted mainly of Australian rations captured at Singapore. One of the freed prisoners commented: "We ate rice for years, and then on the hospital ship after we were freed we were given rice pudding. The sight of it almost put us off, but it was all right after we had tasted it. because it was made with milk and sugar. In prison we always had a craving for sweets." Flying-Officer Krause was the man who painted the sign, ".Taps gone, British here." on the roof of the Rangoon gaol. Another pilot said he was taken by the Japanese on a tour of camps. "At one stage they threatened t-o shoot me, but when J told them to go ahead as I didn't care, they seemed impressed," he added. "After that, those particular guards couldn't do enough for me. They gave me mosquito netting, and even made me a pair of chopsticks." These men are now resting in hospital pending a recuperation period at a hill station. They are making the most of fresh food and comforts.

LARGE TROUT CAUGHT FISH WEIGHING 17LB I (0.C.) ROTORUA, Monday While fishing this season has been ! Patchy, results at Lake Tarawera reI cently have been better than usual. .Mr !H. Langguth, of Rotorua, landed a j trout of 171b which was in excellent condition. In the neighbouring Lake Okataiua good sport has been secured in the past week or two. Mr ,J. W r hite, of Okataina Lodge, took two limits in succession. A SIX-DAY WEEK THE KAMO COAL MINE (0.C.) WHANGAREI, Monday " As from Saturday of this week, the Kamo coal mine will be working a full six-day week. This decision was made at a meeting of miners this afternoon, when the acting-Minister of Mines Mr O'Brien, and the Mines Controller' Mr C. H. Benney, met the men and discussed with them the question of Saturday work. It is now about 18 months since the Kamo mine was worked on Saturday. BTATE COLLIERIES IDLE DISPUTE OYER LOOSE COAL (0.C.) GREYMOTTTH, Monday The Strongman and Liverpool State coal mines in the Runanga district were both idle today, involving 500 men and the loss of 1000 tons of coal. The Strongman mine employees yesterdav advised the management that' they would not return to work until steps were taken to remove a large quantity of loose coal in the old workings. The men allege that the presence of this coal constitutes | a serious fire danger. The Liverpool men came out in sympathy with the Strongman workers. The superintendent of State coal mines. Mr C. J. Strongman, said this afternoon that technical questions were involved and a deadlock had been reached between the union and the management. Some discussions were held today, but it is considered likely that the mines will be idle again tomorrow. MOUNT RUAPEHU ACTIVE (0.C.) THE CHATEAU, Monday Mount Ruapehu wa6 active again tonight. two large sheets of flame appearing from the crater shortly after 8 p.m. The first burst of flame rose to a height of about 200 ft and was followed a few seconds later by another flare, this time of about 300 ft. The activity was accompanied by noise and steam. A watch is being kept on the mountain tonight for further signs of eruption*