THE MEIKLE CASE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13875, 12 April 1907, Page 5

THE MEIKLE CASE.

PRESS COMMENTS. IFeou Oub Owk Correspondent.) AUCKLAND. April 18. In commenting on the report of th# Meikle Commission tho Herald says:— " On the question of compensation (lie two judges Imvc practically 110 recommendation to make. Tliey appear, however, to bo opposed to any exceptional treatment in the way of a substantial grant being 1 made to Meikle on the curious grounds that to establish such a precedent "must open, up an enormous and constantlyrecurring number of claims against tho Stutft" If this is meant to imply that innocent persons arc frequently wrongfully convicted and punished iii New Zealand, it must be regarded <13 a serious reflection on the administration of justice in tho colony, but apart from this it is 110 valid reason for refusing to compensate in a liberal manner a man who. .011 the comniission\s own showing, has suffered a great and grievous wrong that others who may be unfortunate enough to be treated in ft similar maimer in the future would havo the same claim upon tho State. Why should they not V The finding of the commission practically amounts to tho Scotch verdict of ' Not proi'en.' and this, we s'uppose, must now be accepted as conclusive. It. is to bo regretted that (ho judges ivera luiablo to arrive at a more definite tie-. cisioii, but such as it is it is clearly 0110 that entitles Meikle to fair and reasonable consideration from liie Government and Parliament. To quash a. conviction after he has been subjected to the ignominy And degradation of years o! wrongful imprisonment ami to enter as a record an acquittal, when for nearly 20 years he has borne tho brand or a criminal, may lu some consola-tion-to tliis Iting-sulVering old man, but it is surely no| a full measure of justice.'"