The Release of a Maori Prisoner.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XIX, Issue 6048, 13 September 1894, Page 4

The Release of a Maori Prisoner.

(by telegraph ) Auckland, September 12. It will be remembered that Kerei Kaihau was sentenced at the last sessions of the Supreme Court to 12 months' imprisonment, with hard labor, for resisting the execution of a warrant upon a conviction which has since been quashed. The Ngatitipa and Ngatiteato tribes have expressed their wish that this chief should receive the clemency of the Crown. He is a relative of the late King Tawhiao, and through Mr G. S. Graham representations have been made to the Government to release him, and enable him to be present at the obsequies of his relative. Kerei is a very obstinate man, even amongst his own people. At the same time his release would mark an era in this colony that would always be remembered gratefully by the native race. Mr Justice Conolly has authorised Mr Graham to state that he will recommend Kerei's release from imprisonment, as the death of Tawhaio alters the phase that existed at the time the sentence was passed.