THE MEIKLE COMMISSION.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXIX, Issue 8324, 4 January 1907, Page 5

THE MEIKLE COMMISSION.

The Meikle Commission resumed its sitting at Wellington, yesterday, when further evidence was taken. Hugh Fraser Munro, farmer, of Mimihau Valley, said he went to reside' there in 1888, the year after Meike's conviction. Mrs Meikle was then in charge of the farm. Witness was in charge of Benlay Station. Had now no clear recollection of the state of the holding at that time, but remembered that Meikle's land was well grassed and cultivated. Went to see the smithy door, through curiosity, and formed the opinion that sheep could not be driven in through it. That door had been altered since 1888.

To Mr Findlay: Remembered a conversation between the manager of Wairakeki Station, and a young fellow, in witness's presence. The youngfellow said, "Well, they have got hold of the old man at last.''

Mr Findlay: What else? Witness: Must I answer that question your Honour? Mr Justice Edwards: Yes, I think so. Yes, you must answer it. Witness: Well, he said later on, "It is a good job, or he would have had the whole lot of us in gaol." The remark was impressed on me, and I asked after the young fellow went away who he was. The manager said, "That's a son of J. J. Meikle's."

Mr Atkinson: ? Was Lambert's; name mentioned? —No; not that I can remember. I was sorry for the young fellow, because I had to bury him shortly afterwards. His name was Arthur Meikle.

James Christie, journalist, who succeeded Mr Troup as manager of Island Station, said that when Troup left the station he threw out some sort of a threat that things might be bad for witness and the company if~ Troup was not retained on the station. Particularly remembered a phrase made use of by Troup: "A word from me could bring Meikle out." Witness replied: "If that is so the less you say about it the better, or else you might be in his shoes." Cross-examiiied, y witness said he did not take Troup seriouslv. He struck witness as being a bit off his head, and given to "talking through his hat." He carried a revolver about with him, . and on one occasion, he showed witness his muscle. Witness had no quarrel with him. At the time when Troup made the statement (as he was going away) he seemed quieter than usual. At this stage Mr Findlay called Robert Troup. The witness denied that he had ever had any documents or writings in his possession that would in any way have bearing on the Meikle case. Had never known any fact that would tend to establish Meikle's innocence; if he had, he would have used it. Had never said that a word from him would bring Meikle out. Had made no threat against Christie; . the threatening was the other way about.

John James Meikle, the petitioner, gave evidence to the effect that when he came out of gaol in 1892 he was told by his son Arthur (now dead) that he (the son) had said in conversation with McCauley, "the Company made a good job in getting the old man away. It's a good job or they would have had the lot of us in gaol." . The Commissioners said it was desirable that the Hpn. R. McNab should be called as a witness in regard to one phase of the case.