THE MEIKLE CASE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 235, 10 November 1909, Page 4

THE MEIKLE CASE.

Umr.ViluN TO THE PREMIER. Uy 1 —Press Association. Wellington, Monday. A deputation representing the Meikle Defence Committee waited on the Premier this morning to-once again bring muler his notice the claims of .Meikle lor adequate compensation in respect to his wrongful imprisonment. The deputation included Messrs. Fisher, Wright and McLaren, M.tVs. One ot tli<; dcpu tation took the opportunity of denying the allegation that there was anything in the nature of a syndicate working in connection with the Meikle ease.

Replying, Sir Joseph Ward said he recognised this was an important matter and should be dealt with, and steps would be taken to end it. The arguments whieh had been placed before him by the deputation were with one or two exceptions hut a reiteration of those brought under hii notice previously. The suggestion made by .Mr. A. R. Atkinson that the Attorney-General slimiiil be asked to prepare a judicial statement was an iniporlant one, and he would confer with Dr. Findlay. In passing Ibe Meikle Acquittal Bill, the (.'overniueut recognised that the natural corollary was ihe granting of some recompense to .Meikle for the injuries be had sustained. If the majority of the House were against compensation, the sooner it was known 111-:- better for them. The question of an alternative would come up. One was that a judge and jury =dmuld have the opportunity of going into Ihe mailer and giving a decision. As soon as lie could, lie would go into the matter.