Meikle Commission.

Woodville Examiner, Volume XXII, Issue 3872, 11 May 1906, Page 3

Meikle Commission.

SUPPLICANT'S CASE CLOSED. Dunedin, May 9. The evidence for supplicant before the Meikle Commission concluded this aftercoon. Nevil Sutherland, an old-age pensioner’, stated that Cameron told him in 1894 that the company wanted to get Meikle off his land as be was a sheep-stealer, and that he had employed a certain person whose name was not mentioned to make a trap for Meikle. Dr Findlay said this evidence came to him as a complete surprise, and it would be necessary to obtain a Commission to secure the evidence of Cameron, who was at present in England, and would not be returning to the colony. With the intimation that Mrs Meikle was too ill to give evidence to-day, and that it might be necessary to call her later on, supplicant’s case closed. Dr Findlay then opened the defence. In concluding his address, be asserted that the Commission had brought to light one of the biggest hypocrites attempting to get money from the public purse in the history of the colony. Robert Troup, former manager of the Islay station, gave evidence that in 1887 the leakage of sheep was over one thousand, mostly observable on Meikle's boundary. His attention was directed to Meikle by finding a trace of sheep having been driven from the station through the fence. It was absurd to say that auy suggestion was made that Lambert should put sheep and skins on Meikle’s place. Up to his leaving, Cameron had only seen Lambert once, and witness was present all the time. Constable Leece, who was in the district in 1887, after giving evidence, was asked by Dr Findlay as to Meikle’s reputation. Mr Atkinson, for Meikle, strongly objected to the question, but it was permitted, and the constable replied that Meikle was reported to be a sheep-stealer. MRS MEIKLE’S STATEMENTS ! DENIED. Dunedin, May 10. Before the Meikle Commission in the afternoon the principal witness was Mrs Meikle, wife of supplicant. She remembered the 17th October, 1887, as it was on that day her son Arthur was believed to bo dying of pleurisy. She heard Lambert say on several occasions that he was to get £SO for putting sheepskins in her husband’s barn or smithy. After her husband’s imprisonment she saw Troup and told him she believed he bad documents that would clear her husband. He replied, “ Yes, but it would put others in gaol.” Witness offered him £IOO for the documents.

Robert Troup, recalled, said ho told Mrs Meikle he had no documents such as she referred to. He never told her if he got her husband out it would put others in. The sitting here is expected to conclude to-morrow, when Lambert will bo examined.

For Bronchial Coughs and Colds Woods’ Great Peppermint Cure, Is 6d