Threatening the Premier.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIV, Issue 1938, 21 November 1906, Page 3

Threatening the Premier.

ME AICKEN PEE FEES GAOL,

PRESS ASSOCIATION

Auckland, last night

William Stevenson Aicken, shareholder, who was before the Supreme Court yesterday in connection with tho charge against him, to which ho had pleaded guilty, of sending a threatening letter to Sir Joseph Ward, wrote to the lion. A. Tole, Crown Solicitor, this morning, declining to accept the conditions of Mr Justico Edwards’ decision, which was to the effect that 110 bo ordered to come up for sentence when called upon, and that ho find sureties to keep the peace for three years, and not go beyond a radius of 20 miles from the city. In' his letter Aicken states that he lias de« cided to go to Mt Eden gaol, and remain there until released by death, or unconditionally by Government, rather than accept Mr Justice Edwards’ larger prison of 20 miles radius. After referring again at length to Maori land law matters, uickin says : “ I placed myself within reach of tho law, and must accept the consequences. The decision was as liberal as could be expected under tho circumstances, and I have no cause for complaint, but if I am to mix in the community again it must bo as an unfettered man.”

Aicken appeared at the Court this afternoon, before Mr Justice Edwards. His Honor, after reading the letter to Mr Tole, suggested to Aicken that 110 should take a week to reconsider the matter-

Aicken assented, and was remanded for a week accordingly.