THE MEIKLE CASE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 61, 19 November 1907, Page 2

THE MEIKLE CASE.

Per Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. A deputation from the Meikle committee waited on the Premier this afternoon witli regard to the present position of the Meikle Acquittal Bill. The deputation, which was introduced by Mr. Aitken, urged that the Bill should bo put through this session. As it had only been laid aside on account of obstruction, there was no need to refer the Bill to the Judges of the Supreme Court. They were only the interpreters of the law, not the makers of the law. The- Premier, in his reply, said his colleaguea had unanimously agreed to everything that was done in this matter with a view to getting the legislation put upon the Statute-book. The halfdozen others who opposed the Bill in the House did not represent the total number of members who were opposed to the - Bill. The number who were in doubt about it was at least twenty--1 eight, and, of course, the Bill could not be got through. His desire was to do justice to Meikle and have his name practically removed from the criminal records so as to give effect to the report of the Royal. Commission. As to compensation, his idea had been that'that subject should be referred to a Parliamentary committee, but.under the circumstances he thought he was doing the right thing in referring the question to the Court of Appeal. He was quite prepared to consider a suggestion tliat had been made by Mr. Atkinson that a separate tribunal should Be set up to hear both the Meikle and the Lambert case, so that a final result would be arrived at. He did not believe Meikle's case would be prejudiced by delaying it until next session, notwithstanding any opinion anyone might have to the contrary. The Government was quite impersonal in the matter, and was -MWfott&Je-igetJJjja legislation throirg/i. . "We want to fee common justice done to Meikle," said Sir Joseph.