The Case of Freebody.

Wairarapa Standard, Volume XIX, Issue 1820, 14 April 1886, Page 2

The Case of Freebody.

Wx are glad to find that a petition to the Minister of Justice, in favor of Freebody, is being circulated and largely signed in the Wairarapa. It sets forth 11 that at the trial of Pollock, Freebody, and Burrow it was shown in evidence that Pollock was the servant of Barrow only ; that the sale at which the stolen calves were disposed of was held under instructions from Burrow ; that the whole of the proceeds were paid by the auo tioneers to Burrow j that it was not shown that Freebody derived any advantage from the sale of the calves ; that he was only connected with Burrows as his tenant, and that the petitioners, having known Freebody as a man of high character, believe him to bo innocent and a victim to circumstances." We trust that the petition will be largely signed throughout the whole district from the Lower Valle? right up to Masterton. We believe that Freebody is an innocent man, and it is terrible to think that he should be deprived of bis liberty, and endure the work and punishment of a convict for a period of two years—all the time feeling that his punishment and degradation are entirely undeserved. A strong and numerously signed petition, backed up by the efforts of Messrs Buchanan and Beetham, would probably secure Freebody's release.