THE MEIKLE CLAIM.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2654, 9 November 1909, Page 5

THE MEIKLE CLAIM.

DEPUTATION TO THE PRIME

MINISTER

TPer • Press Association.l • WELLINGTON, Nov. 8. A deputation representing the Meikle defence committee waited on the Premier this morning to once again bring under his notice the claim of Meikle for adequate compensation in respect to his wrongful imprisonment. The deputa 7 tion included Messrs Fisher, Wright, and McLaren, M.P.’s. One of the deputation took tile opportunity of denying that there was anything in the nature of a syndica,te working in connection with the Meikle case. In replying, Sir Joseph Ward said he* recognised this important matter should he dealt with, and steps taken to end it. The arguments which had been placed before him by the deputation, with one or two exceptions, were a reiteration of those brought under his notice previously. The suggestion made by Mr. Atkinson that the AttorneyGeneral should be asked to prepare a judicial statement was an important one, and he would confer with Dr. Findlay. In passing the Meikle Acquittal Bill, the Government recognised that a natural corollary was the-grant-ing of some sum as recompense to Meikle/for the injuries he had sustained. If the majority of the House were against compensation, the sooner it was known the better; for tlio question of an alternative would come up. One was that, a judge and jury should have an opportunity of going into the matter, and giving a decision.