Manawatu Herald. THURSDAY, MARCH 29, 1906. THE CASE OF MEIKLE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3630, 29 March 1906, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. THURSDAY, MARCH 29, 1906. THE CASE OF MEIKLE.

After many attempts, Mr Meikle has at last succeeded in having a commission appointed to enquire into Ins case of wrongful imprisonment for alleged sheep stealing in Southland in the eighties. The history of th.; case is too well known to need repetition, Suffice it is to Say that Meikle Was convicted of sheep stealing at Invercargill Supreme Court sittings of December, 1887, and sentenced to seven years hard labour, after which he instituted proceedings against Willian Lambert—a witness for the prosecution at Meikle’s trial—for forgery. The result Was that Lambert was convicted and sentenced to four years. Since that time, Meikle has endeavoured to claim compensation from the Government for wrongful imprisonment, and also attempted unsuccessfully to have his name removed from the prison books. These are the outcome of the present Commission, and New Zealanders generally will be pleased to note that Mr Justice Edwards and Mr Justice Cooper, have been appointed Commissioners to undertake the hearing. The Commissioners met yesterday and arranged preliminaries, and will start the inquiry about the 12th of next month. They expect to be able to present their report on or before the 30th June next, or such extended date as may be appointed in that behalf. Dr Findlay will represent the Government before the Commission. The Commission have the following questions to deal with

1. Whether the conviction of the said William Lambert for perjury established the innocence of the said John James Meikle. 2. Whether the conviction of the said William Lambert raised a reasonable presumption that the said John James Meikle was innocent, or that he was wronfully convicted. 3. Whether there is any evidence to show that the said John James Meikle has since his conviction made any admissions or statements inconsistent with his innocence. 4. As to the circumstances which led to the prosecution of the slid William Lambert for perjure. ami whether• there was any undue delay on the part of ’he said John James Meikle in takin g proceedings for perjury against the said William Lambert. 5. As to the circumstances under which the said John James Meikle accented the sum of five hundred pounds in full settlement of his claims; and whether, apart from legal considerations, the settlement then made should be treated as final. 6. As to the financial position of the said John James Meikle immediately proceeding his arrest for the said offence of sheep-steaHng, and during his imprisonment, and at the date of his release from prison and since; and whether, having regard to all the circumstances, the said John James Meikle is fairly entitled to further pecuniary compensation in respect of his conviction and imprisonment, or in respect of the loss and suffering alleged to have been entailed upon his family thereby; and, if so, to what amount. 7. As to the amount of legal and other costs incurred and paid by the said John James Meikle—(a) In respect of his defence at the trial upon the charge of sheep-stealing ; (b) in respect of the prosecution of the said William Lambert for perjury; and (c) as to the circumstances under which the said John James Meikle accepted the sum of two hundred and ninety-four pounds sixteen shillings and one penny in full payment of his claim for legal and other costs as aforesaid; and whether, apart from legal considerations, the settlement then made should be treated as final. 8. Whether, having regard to English precedent and the circumstances of the case, the claim of the said John James Meikle that his name be removed from the prison records can be given effect to ; and,

if not, what alternative is practicable in the way of placing on record his innocence, if, in your opinion, his innocence has been established or may be presumed as aforesaid. 9. Whether, in your opinion, legislation is necessary to give effect to your recommendations, or to any of them. o