AGITATION FOR REPRIEVE

Hokitika Guardian, 10 December 1924, Page 2

AGITATION FOR REPRIEVE

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UN PR ECE DEXTE I) DEMONSTR ATJOXS. *UBIRAHAN AND N.Z. OAIILE ASSOCIATION. LONDON, December 8. Despite unprecedented dcmonstra-7 tions,'which were continued in Hull to-day hv means of thousands of telegrams to the King, the Prime -Minister and the Home Secretary, and also despite deputations to the two latter in favour of reprieving William Smith (who murdered a woman who had lived with him) the Home Office announces that the representations have offered no ground for justifying a reprieve. lion. J. M. Kenworthy, M.P., who was one of the deputationists, stated cm his arrival in Ixnidon that ho had never seen anything like this spontaneous outburst of feeling among all classes in Hull in favour of the condemned man. Mr Kenworthy adds: “There will ho riots and bloodshed if something is not done. There would have been a general strike in Hull to-day if Sir W. Jolin-son-Ilicks had not agreed to see tho deputation. Intercession services and protest meetings have been held throughout the day in Hull, and it was arranged to have pickets continually outside the prison, with the view of intercepting the hangman’s arrival. Smith’s mother arranged to pray outside the gaol all night long. The murder itself did not attract wide attention, hut the newspapers are agreed that there never previously has been such a general demand for a re prieve. which is based on Smith’s age, he being twenty-six years; also his fiuo war record, and the fact that he imimmodiately gave himself up after the crime, at the moment of which he said, he temporarily “saw red.” PATHETIC APPEALS (Received this day at, S a.m.) LONDON, Dec. 9. Early yesterday morning a telegram was sent to his Majesty the King, pleading for the exercise of his prerogative and reprieve Smith. It was signed by the Lady Mayoress of Hull, the Sheriff and President of the Trades’ Council. There is not the slightest indication. however, of a respite.

Scenes have been strikingly similar to the Australian ease earlier in the year. The Home Secretary was deeply moved during an interview with a deputation. He sat with his head in his hands, and said no one felt tho responsibility more. Even the brother of the murdered woman telegraphed Sir Jovnson Hicks: “I pray you grant a reprieve.” Late last night an organised crowd marched to the prison and sang hymns within the* hearing of the condemned man. A large force of police prevented a disturbance. Smith's mother, when told that no reprieve would he granted said: “ I here is no justice. 1 am going to pray alone.”