A STRANGE LETTER

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIV, Issue 1917, 29 October 1906, Page 3

A STRANGE LETTER

THE PREMIER’S LIFE THREATENED.

I'ItHSS ASSOCIATION

Aucklnnii, Siiturthiy, Willituii Stovonsoii Aii-kitt, .sbitrcbi'oker

lias been an'esteil, elmrgctl with having about'October 15 went to of caused to be received by Sir Joseph Ward, a letter threatening to kill or do grievous bodily harm to bir Joseph Ward. Tito letter to Sir J. Ward which formed the substance of tho charge against Aickin contained tho following “As tbo Maori Land Settiomont Act, 1995, was a distinct breach of the treaty of Waitangi, cnab ling the Government, by a dirty trick, to compulsorily acquire Maori lands contrary to tho express stipulation, there n contained, 1 hereby givo you notice if that Act is not repealed this session, and all engagements outorod into under it, if aoy, cancelled, I will held you rcsponeiblo at tho potil of your lifo, and for all tho time of your Ufa h;: eat er, I only givo you notico booaueo you bc-iog a South Is- I landor, may havo a vory slight kaowlodgo of Maori makers, and therefore oamiot at present bo responsible for tbo guilt of l there.

After making certain references to past logtalasion, tho writor prooeoda : “I am dosorminod that Britain shall keep faith with tho Maoris, and bloodshed ia my only weapon.” Ho oonclodea : “ Thi3 ia my last word and warniog.”

Tho Grown solicitor asked for a remand for a fortnight, ua tho ohiof witness in Wellington oould not rcaeh Auokland until Thursday. Ho said ho would oppose the application for bail. Tho mau'a condition was ouch that there would have to bo a repetition of aervioe unless he was kept in custody. Asked by tho Magistrate if ho objected to a remand, Aickin replied, “ Not a bit.” Ho wa3 remanded uotil Eriday, without bail.