THE MEIKLE COMMISSION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8104, 8 May 1906, Page 2

THE MEIKLE COMMISSION.

INTERESTING EVIDENCE. PSK PJIG3S ASSOCIATION. Duxkdin, May 7. Mr McDonald, a farmer at Wyndhum Valley, detailed a conversation he had with Lambert in 1887 regarding Meikle, who was then on trial for sheep stealing. Lambert said ho could clear Meikle if he liked. After Meikle'b conviction, Lambert said lie was sorry to put Meikle in, but he couldn't help it. He had to clear himself, and got £SO for doing it. Mr McPhail then came in, and called Lambert an luformer. Lambert took a poker and hit McPhail over the head.

James Mavin, a squatter near Wyndham, deposed to a conversation he had with Mr Troupe, the Company's manager, about Meikle's case, Troupe said he possessed documents which would get Meikle out. Witness told him he had better be careful or he might find himself where Meikle was. Later. The Meikle Commission expect to finish here on Thursday, in which case a sitting will be held in Wellington on Monday. The evidence to-day was largely that of those who had given evidence at the former trials, and several witnesses found it difficult to recall details aftor such a lapse of time. -Aloxander McDonald, farmer, said Lambert had told him he could clear Meikle if he liked. Ho saw Meikle shortly aftor, but did notimention what Lambert said. Ho had not mentioned tho matter at the trial, James Meehan, a sheep farmer, deposed that he leased the reserve which Meiklo had occupied. In conversation with Troupe, one of the Company's managers, who was leaving the Company's employ, Troupe said he had documents which would clear Meikle. Witness told him to be careful or he might find himself where Meikle was.

Arthur Perkins and Jane Shields, who had been in Meikle's employ, gave evidonco as to Lambert saying at Meiklo s place that he was going to got £SO to convict Moikle. James Connor, who had been in Moiklc's employ, testified to seeing the company's sheep on Meikle's land. James Meikle, a son of the supplicant, gave evidence as to Lambert stating the Company had employed ihim to put skins on his (witness) father's place with the object of getting him into trouble.