RAMEKA’S SENTENCE

Hokitika Guardian, 29 September 1931, Page 5

RAMEKA’S SENTENCE

DECISION STILL AWAITED.

‘•EARNEST CONSIDERATION.”

AUCKLAND, September 28.

Sentenced to death on August 6 for the murder of Mrs Gwendoline Alice Johnson on June 24, Pahara Rameka Kere (George Rameka) is sti.l confined to his cell at Mount. Eden prison, awaiting the Government’s 'decision whether the sentence passed by the Court shall be carried out, or be commuted to a term of imprisonment. Seven weeks have passed since the jury brought in a. verdict of murder, with a strong recommendation to mercy, and Air Justice Smith passed sentence of death upon Rameka, In England when a person has been so sentenced., the execution of the condemned person is carried out without reference to th e Government, unless a petition is presented to the Home Secretary praying tor the commuting ox the sentence. In New Zealand every sentence of death is reviewed by the Governor-in-Couneil, and no execution may take place until the Executive gives its pronouncement whether it will interfere with line sentence as pass d by the Court. Shortly alter Rameka was sentenced, Mr Noble, his counsel at the trial, forwarded to the Minister of J ustice (the Hon. J. G. Cobbe), an affidavit from a medical practitioner who was present at the trial, and a certificate from another, The latter stated that; Rameka is suffering from serious complications in his central nervous system, the result of disease, which might have grave effect upon his mentality, and expressed the opinion that Rameka was not mentally normal. In view of these opinions Mr Noble suggested to the Minister that an examination of Rameka concerning his condition be made by experts who did not give evidence at the trial. A fortnight ago Mr Noble received a reply from the Minister stating that the affidavit and certificate had been received, and that the whole matter was receiving the earnest consideration cf the Government.