VICTIM OF INJUSTICE

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 754, 29 August 1929, Page 7

VICTIM OF INJUSTICE

FARMER’S PETITION TO PARLIAMENT REPORT REFERRED BACK Press Association WELLINGTON, Wednesday. Disappointment at the finding of the A to L Petitions Committee in the case of Charles Henry Greenhead, retired farmer, of Waiuku, was expressed in the House today, and resulted in the report of the committee, making no recommendation, being referred back for further consideration. The petitioner claimed he was suffering from a miscarriage of justice and had been forced to carry the stigma of perjury. He desired an open inquiry to obtain a complete public vindication of his character. The chairman of the committee, Mr. J. A. Macpherson (Oamaru), said the committee had no recommendation to make, as Mr. Greenhead had undertaken not to broach the case again. Mr. J. N. Massey (Franklin) expressed disappointment at the committee's report, particularly as all the Petitioner asked was an opportunity to state his case before a commission of inquiry. Mr. W. L. Martin (Raglan) supported Mr. Massey’s view. The documents in the case had been impounded by the Justice Department. Mr. Martin moved an amendment that the report be referred back to the committee for further consideration. The Leader of the Labour Party, Mr. H. E. Holland, thought it would be a good thing if chairmen of committees Rave more information about the circumstances when reporting to the House. The Minister of Justice, the Hon. T. M. Wilford, said if an injustice had been dene he was prepared to do what he could to put the affair right. He did not know much about the ca3e. but if the facts as stated by Mr. Martin were right he could not understand why the documents required could not be obtained. He suggested Representations should be made to him apart from the committee. Mr. Macpherson said in view of the Statement by the Minister of Justice he would accept the amendment.