HENRY HOLLAND'S CASE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16121, 9 July 1914, Page 8

HENRY HOLLAND'S CASE

PLEA FOR HIS RELEASE. CABINET WILL NOT INTERFERE. (From Oub Own Cop.bespcndint.) WELLINGTON, July 8. A formal, plea for the release of Henry Holland, one of the leaders of tbo Federation of Labour now serving a sentence of imprisonment for sedition, was made by Mr C. F. Meyer, a member of a. dopuation representing tho Federated Timber Workers' Union, which waited on the Prime Minister to-day. The speaker reminded Mr Massey that letters had come from all over the country asking for the reloasa of Holland, and the Federation of Timber Workers at its conference had decided to appeal to the Prime Minister. Holland had been worked tip when he made the statement for which ho was punished, and the Act was really obsolete. , In England it was practically a dead letter, and ho urged that such old laws should not bo '"dug up."

The Prime Minister said that no Government had anything to do with tho administration of justice. Holland had committed an offence, and had broken the laws of tiie country. He was tried by tho Chief Justice and a jury of his fellow-countrymen in tlio Supreme Court. "I can express no opinion, - ' said Mr '" as to the severity of tho scnteiico or otherwise. It would lx« a very ficrious matter if the Government or Parliament comes to interfere with the de-c-k- ions of the courts. If I committed an offence I should have to submit, :\e> well as nnybodv o'se and take the consequences. I don't my way—and the Government does not eoe its way —to make nny noommendation« with regard to the remission of Holland's ROntonec."

Mr Meyor: That's straight enough. Mr Massey: If a man breaks tho law he muiit pay the pomihy.