THE DEATH PENALTY.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume L, Issue 16606, 9 December 1924, Page 7

THE DEATH PENALTY.

EFFORTS 'm SECT RE A REPRIEVI

UNPRECEDENTED SCENES.

(Elcc. Tel. Copyright -United Press As«a.l (Australian rml N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, Dec. 7.

I'tißreeedented excitement prevails in 11 u,l because Sir Jnyiisriii Hicks, Honit* Secretary, refused tu reprieve, a young boilermaker. William Smith, sentenced in death for killing a woman with whom hi. lived, because lie' suspected lier fidelity.

Smith's mother tramped the streets for days and nights and obtained SO.OOO signatures to a petition for a reprieve. She fainted, when told of Sir J. Hicks' decision.

An eleventh.hour effort is being made to get the decision changed. Enormous crowds engaged in a demonstration to-day, processions marching to Hie prison, and. crying "Hang the Hunomn-n !" and 1 men and women were .singing "Onward Christian Soldiers," "Throw out the Lifeline." and "Abide Willi Me." The Lady Mayoress and the Archbishop of York are interesting themselves in the reprieve, and the. trade unionists in Hull threaten to strike at noon to-morrow unless the reprieve is granted.