THREATENING THE PREMIER.

Waikato Times, Volume LVII, Issue 8061, 21 November 1906, Page 2

THREATENING THE PREMIER.

AICKIN REFUSES HIS

PAROLE. A STRANGE LETTER. (By Telegkafh—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, East night. - William Stevenson Aickin, the Auckland sliarebroker, who was before Mr Justice Edwards yesterday morning for having written a letter threatening the life of Sir Joseph Ward, has refused to be bound fov the conditions which His Honor then imposed. He lias written to Mr J. A. Tole as follows :

"Auckland, November 20th, 1906. Joseph Tole. Esq., Crown Prosecutor, Auckland. Sir, —I have decided to go to Mount Eden gaol and remain' there until released by death or unconditionally by the Government, rather than accept Mr Justice Edwai ds' larger prison of "JO miles radius. There " the world forgetting, by the world forgot," State-paid officials will be responsible for me, and no one will risk any money on my good faith. I should feel sad had I not past experience to comfort me. 11 has been my lot, ere now, to have people cross the street rather {ban meet me, yet after many years they have come up to congratulate me on the stand I. have taken.

" It is only six years since I took up the cudgels, as now, in a matter concerning the honour and well-being of the State, and 1 had a bad time of it. Our Agent-General, lacking argument, said I was scurrilous, although 1 had not referred to individuals, only principles. Next year or so the Commonwealth incorporated my idea in. its laws, and negotiations between the Commonwealth and its States are also based upon it. The States, Victoria for instance, are adopting it, and, lastly, although Sir Joseph denounced it vigorously previously, in the session just ended he introduced and adopted it.

" Such experiences tend to confirm me in my belief that I am right and the numerous ' other-fellows ' wrong regarding the' Maori Land Settlement Act, 1!i0.,.' You stated to His Honor that I held peculiar views regarding the Treaty of Waitangi. For the sake of the colony it is to be hoped they are not peculiar. Surely gobd faith and straight dealing ought not to be peculiar. I urged that the dealings with the Maoris be such that no man need be ashamed of his country. I am only asking that Queen Victoria's promise to the Maoris, that they should have undisputed possession of their lands until they were disposed to sell, should be kept. " In the Maori Land Settlement Act, 1905, that promise is ruthlessly broken, with the connivance of the Secretary of State for the Colonies. I am the true friend of progress, not* the Government, because I want the colony to have friendly and willing, not sulky and dissatisfied, natives to deal with. With regard to Mr Justice Edwards' remarks about a 'a bee in my bonnet,' 1 rejoice that it is there, and hope that it wilL buzz on until every brain in the community is inoculated with its honey —the honey of honesty, honour, and goodwill toward all mankind, especially the 4U,000 helpless Maoris, which it is proposed to, putting it mildly, coerce by Act of Parliament. His Honor's platitudes I need not discuss, he had to say something. He seems to be a gentlemanly, pajns? taking judge. " I placed myself within reach of the law, and must accept the consequences. The decision was as liberal as could be expected under the circumstances, and 1 have no cause for complaint. Uut if lam to mix in the community again it must be as an unlettered man. 1 have notified fhe two gentlemen who volunteered* to act us bondsmen they need not appear, and 1 intend to surrender myself at the Courthouse between o and i- this afternoon—l am, sir," yours faithfully, Win. S. Aickin. "r.S.—l shall deem it a favour if you ring up MrMcVeagh and let hjm know my decision. Tell him I -am perfectly satisfied with all he did, and he has my warmest thanks.—W. S. Aickin. " REMANDED FOR A WEEK. AUCKLAND, This day!* Aickin appeared at the Supreme Court yesteiday afternoon before Mr Justice Edwards. His Honor, after reading his letter to Mr Tole, suggested to Aickin that he should take a week to reconsider the matter. Aickin assented and was lemanded for a week accordingly.