THE HULL SENSATION.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume L, Issue 16607, 10 December 1924, Page 5

THE HULL SENSATION.

SYMPATHY WITH MURDERER

APPEALS FOR REPRIEVJ:

(Australian' anu N.Z. Cable Association LONDON, Dec. 9.

Despite the unprecedented demonstrations which were continued at- Hull today by means of thousands of telegiams to the King, the Prime Minister and the Home Secretary, also deputations to the two latter in favor of reprieving William Smith, tlie Home Office announces that the representations offered no grounds for justifying a reprieve. Commander Kenworthy, a Commoner, one of the deputationists, stated on arrival in London that he had never seen anything like the spontaneous outburst of feeling among all classes in Hull in favor of the condemned man. Commander Kenworthy added : “There will be a riot and bloodshed if something is not done. There would have been a general strike in Hull to-day if Sir Joynson Hicks had not agreed to see a- deputation.” Intercession services and protest meetings were held throughout the day in Hull, and it was arranged to have pickets continuously outside the prison with a view to intercepting the hangman’s- arrival.

Smith’s mother has arranged to pray outside the gaol all night long.

The murder itself did not attract wide attention, but the newspapers agree that there has never previously been such a general demand. 1 for a, reprieve, which ifi Based on Smith's age, 26, his previous blameless character, and fine war record, and the fact that he immediately gave himself up after the crime, at the moment of which, he said, he temporarily “saw red.”

Early yesterday morning, a. telegram was sent to, His Majesty, pleading for the exercise of his prerogative for the reprieve of ,Smith. it, was signed by the Lady Mayoress'of Hull, tlie Sheriff, and tho President of the Trades Council. There is not. (he slightest indication, however, of a respite. The scenes have been strikingly similar to those in an Australian ease earlier in the venr.

The Home Secretary was deeply moved during tlie interview with the deputation and sat- with his head in his hands. He said that no one felt the rosponsibility more.

Even tlie brother of tlie murdered woman telegraphed Sir Joynson Hicks on behalf of his murdered sister : "I pray you grant a reprieve.”

Late at night an organised crowd marched to tlie prison and sang hymns within the hearing of the condemned man.

A large force of police prevented a disturbance.

The mother, when told there would he no reprieve, said: “There is no justice. lam going to pray alone.”