THE OXFORD MANSLAUGHTER CASE.

Waikato Times, Volume XX, Issue 1692, 10 May 1883, Page 2

THE OXFORD MANSLAUGHTER CASE.

Petition from the Natives to the Governor. Ik view of tho visit of the Governor to Cambridge, the Maoris at present attending the Land Court prepared a petition praying for the remission of a portion of the sentence passed on Mikaere Te Papa, who, it will be remembered, was convjptpd for the manslaughter of a native on Oxford raogyourse on Boving Day, 1881. The petition was aignod by all the influential natives and lijuropoans I'BStdqnt: in Cambridge and the neighbourhood, who have all along been persuaded of Mikaere's innocence. This petition was presented by Arekatera te Wera. The presentation took place in front of Mr Kirkwoods house, opposite the Duke of Cambridge Hotel. After Arekatera had finished reading the petition, the Governor said that it was his invariable custom not to receive petitions of the nature of that which had just been presented ; however, as the circumstances were exceptional, inasmuch as the petition emanated from Maoris, and had relation to a Maori, he would on this oooassion depart from the usual, and what he considered the constitutional practice. Regarding the circumstances of the case he knew nothing further than what was stated iv the petition itself ; but as soon as he returned to Wellington lie would himself fully investigate the whole of the facts in pflnnection with the matter. As president of the Gouupil h,e wou}4 bring the matter before them for their oo«i* , sideration immediately upon his return to the seat of Government, and he could assure the deputation that the petition would have the fullest and most careful consideration from himself and his responsible advisers. On tho of his Excellency's reply, Arekatera to .{jfatepl that he had one word to say in qtdihtion to tyljat was contained in the petition. It w'aa this: Mikaere's wife had been very ill since he had been sentenced, and was now actually broken -hearted, and unlikely to v&QQvet, There were some children who would ]ie fjsffc destitute, and of whom he (Arekatera) was /it present taking charge. Tl>e deputation, which consisted qf the most influential native chiefs at present attending the Itfatiye Lands Court, and who were accompanied by many of the most prominent European settlers (who thus evinced their sympathy with the prayer of the petition, then withdrew.

1 '• Ttyey fell me wine gives strength," naidFox, one do,y ; "and yet I, who have just drunk three bottlei, can hardly keep