J.J. MEIKLE AGAIN.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 10629, 5 December 1910, Page 4

J.J. MEIKLE AGAIN.

By Telegraph. (From Our, Own Correspondent.) Wellington, December 3. Compensation to J. J. Moikle. in full and final payment for wrongful imprisonment. £SOOO. This item caused a brisk debate in the House to-day, initiated by Mr Anderson (Mntaura), who moved a. reduction by £4999. The Prime Minister said that the Royal Commission which inmiired into the position came to the conclusion that if the proceedings before it had been a retrial of Meiklc on a charge of sheepstealing the evidence of his guilt was so fan from conclusive that it would have been perfectly proper to direct the jury to acquit him. Sir Joseph added thai he wanted to be perfectly frank with the House: the Government was not unanimous on the question, and had never been unanimous; but he submitted Hint in any country where it was found that a man had been unjustly imprisoned for some years, he should be compensated subsEanlially. Mr Hogan urged the House to close the incident altogether. There was another rase which- demanded investigation —that of Oliphant Hughes, of Wanganui. This man was convicted of perjury,, but, specialists in London were of opinion that the share, certificates _ which it was alleged he had signed did 'not contain his signature. Twice a Select Conrmitte had:reported favorably on Hughes' claim for a retrial,- but nothing had-'been, done. • Mr Massey; said it was the Government's -duty to give Huehes an opportunity of clearing himself. The Prime Minister said he had a great deal of sympathy for him, and personally believed!he had been wrongfully convicted.