MEIKLE COMMISSION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1739, 3 May 1906, Page 2

MEIKLE COMMISSION.

(Per Preiis Asaociation.) Dunedin, last night, A r ter tho contempt of oourt inoidenl at the sitting of the Meikle Commission, Mr. A. R. Atkinson resumed his address, ret* viewing and analysing the evidence given at the trial of Meikle, and Lambert's defenee at his trial for perjury. He then turned to the payment of £SOO to Meikle in full satisfaction of his claim against tbe Crown, and £291 16j Id costs inourred in prosecuting Lambert. These votes were made on tbe assumption that Meikle was guilty, but it was now hoped to show Meikle’s innocence.

Mr Justice Cooper said tbo point tbe Commission must be satisfied on was whether a person, knowing be had been wrongfully convioted, chose to take a sum of money, and voluntarily disoharged the oolony from any farther payment, had not himself estimated his loss at that amount, Mr Atkinson Baid his contention was that in a case of legal obligation the matter waß mutual. In the case of appeal to the bounty of the Crown, it was a matter of gratuity. It was not what Meikle bad a right to demand, but what it was the duty of the oolony to give. Counsel had not oonoladed when the Court adjourned.