THE STRIKE PRISONERS

Press, Volume L, Issue 15047, 15 August 1914, Page 10

THE STRIKE PRISONERS

SIX TO BE RELEASED.

(SPECIAL TO "THE TBTSSS.") WELLINGTON, August 14

An important statement regarding the release of striko prisoners was made by the Hon. A. L. Herdman in the House of Representatives this ovening in reply to a question by Mr Atmore. Tho Cabinet, fho Minister stated, had considered tho report of tb> A to L Petitions-Uominittee recommending the favourable consideration of the Government to a petition praying for the releaso of the strike prisoners, and it had beoa decided, after consultation with the Chief Justice in the matter, that six out of the ten priscT.ors who at the present time wero iv prison for offences arising out of the strike disturbances should have their sentences remitted and be liberated.

The names of tho six men are as follows (the dates upon which their sentences would have expired in tho ordinary course "are shown in parentheses) : —

William Honry Lawton (September 13th, 1914).

Max Wolfe (November 2nd. 1914). Charles Frederick Beaumont (Boptimber 25th, 1914).

Thomas Ackland (November 2nd, 1014).

H. Holland (November 22nd, 1914.) Karl Johnston (September 212 nd, 1914).

Thero were four other men, tho Minister added, who still remained in gaol. The reasons for this wcro that in the cisc of threo of fcV-o men there were previous convictions —in one case eight, and in another thirteen. It was con-' sidored that these men were really confirmed criminals, and that they should remain whore they were. (Hear, hear.) Tithe caso of th* -> f her six men, his Excellency t}io> Governor would be advised to remit their sentences on the foll<rn-i"sr day. (Mild nmiiause from the Social-Democratic benches.)