The Case of Louis Chemis

Feilding Star, Volume XI, Issue 21, 3 August 1889, Page 3

The Case of Louis Chemis

THE PETITION PEESENTED TO THE GpVEENOB. The petition for the reprieve of Louis Chetnis was presented to his Excellency the Governor yesterday afternoon. The petition was signed by N. Fernandos, C, J. Toxward, W. H. Warren, Dr Watters, E. T. Gillon, J. Maginnity, G. Fisher, and 8773 others. At three o'clock a deputation consisting of Messrs "VvV H. Warrem N. Fernandos and J. Maginnity atl tended at Government House for the \ purpose of presenting the petition. The '"""Steputation was introduced by Dr ; Newman, M.H.E., and the Minister] of Jußtice, his Excellency's private secretary, and Mr H. Gore (shorthand writer), and the' representatives of the three papers were also present. Hie Excellency did not think that the interview should be a public one. He had a statement to make, which could be furnished to the press, and he thought that any conversation they might have should take place within closed doors. The representatives of the press then withdrew. We N.Z. Times have since been furnished with the following report of the interview, taken by Mr Gore, official shorthand writer. After Dr. Newman, Mr Warren, Mr Fernandos, and Mr Maginnity has spoken, His Excellency said : — lt is «ome time since I was fisst made Aware that you desired to present this petition to me, and it seemed to me to be right that I should carefully study the evidence In the case before I consented to take the somewhat unusual course of seeing the deputation upon the subject personally. I am very glad to have heard the views which .you have expressed to-day upon this most anxious and painful case. I need hardly say that it has had my most careful consideration that it is sny duty tinder any circumstances to it my most earnest consideration, «nd that whether the petition which ;you have presented to me at had 8000 signatures, or was signed only by the wife of the condemned man, or indeed af no petition had bees presented to ane at It would have been equally any duty to give the whole subject my anost cartful consideration. I gather ihat the murder was committed in 4his Colony by a person settled here =upon another person settled here., and as appears &» me that it is a case essentially afiectingthe internal administration of the Colony. No matters of Imperial interest are involved. Naturally, I saaii allow the greatest weight £0 attach to the opinion ol my Advisers on the subject, while reserving tto myself the right to decide according ?to my «wn opinion. I shall now forthwith consult cay Executive Council sasud ako hear what remarks the Judge ifcried the case may have to make sis>6tn it, And in due time my decision will 'be aanounoed to you. : After tiwraikiag his Excellency the deputation withdrew.

Mr Jellieoe lias forwarded all hia evidence in defence of the prisoner to the Government. Be requests that lie may be granted a hearing on be ihalf -of the ouuderaned man.