THE MEIKLE CASE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXI, Issue 8782, 9 April 1907, Page 2

THE MEIKLE CASE.

Press Association.. Wellington, April 8. Justices Edwards and Cooper, in their report on the claims of John James Meikle, find as follows: That the conviction of William Lambert for perjury did not establish Aleilde's innocence, nor per se raiso reasonable presumption that the claimant was innocent or wrongly convicted. Ho evidence has been adduced to show that Meikle iias made any statements inconsistent with his innocence. Meikle has proved himself in evidence to be utterly unworthy of credit in any matter affecting his own interests. Their Honors are not able to attach much greatpr weight to the evidence of his wife, nevertheless wo are of opinion that if tho proceedings before us had beep an actual retrial of the claimant before a jury upon the charge of sheep stealing, the evidence of his guilt is so far from conclusive that it would have been proper to acquit tho claimant.

As to the Giroumstance3 under which Moiklo accepted JE29I 16s Id ii settlement of his claims for le*al costs, etc., and whether apart from legal considerations, the settlement then made should be treated as final, their Honors find that if the said sum was paid on the basis purporting to be shown on documents from the Justice Department, such should, apart from a legal consideration, bo treated as final In respect of the prosecution of Lambert. In effect their Honors declare that Meikle has no claim against the Stato, and it resolves itself into a question of State bouuty, a ques-! tion which Parliament must decide, j There should, however, bo somo definite rule by which final settlement can be arrived at in such cases, so as to preclude such claims beiug mado afterwards. Their Honors report tliat Meiklo's claim to have his name removed from the prison records cannot bo given effect to, either having regard to English precodent or to common-sense and tlio safoty and inviolability of public records.