The Meikle Case.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3587, 19 October 1905, Page 3

The Meikle Case.

COMMISSION TO BE APPOINTED, The Premier informed the House of Representatives recently that Cabinet had decided to appoint a Commission to go through the depositions in the Meikle case and investigate the case fully. The Commission would inquire into the question of the payment of the first compensation and what led thereto, and how the discharge was granted therefor. The Commission would also investigate the question of costs incurred by Meikle in the proceedings taken by him to bring Lambert to justice. Regarding the ipatter of removing Meikle's name from the prison records of the colony, Mr Seddon said any recommendation of the Commission in respect to this matter would be carried out, as to placing on record the facts, and the conviction of the principal witness against Meikle for perjury. The Government had carefully gone into this phase of the question, and had made investigation as to precedent. They had found no precedent, so far as the Imperial records were concerned. In a recent case—that of Adolph Beck, who was wrongfully imprisoned for a period of five years, the Imperial Government paid him £SOOO compensation, but nothing was done in the way of interfering with the prison records. In regard to the Meikle cash the Government would act upon the advice of the Commission. Mr Massey: When will the Commission be appointed and make its report ? Mr Seddon : With as little delay as possible. Mr Massey: Will there be any chance of getting the report this session ? Mr Seddon: Evidence requires to be taken. So far as the Government is concerned, I would like to see the matter settled as soon as possible.