THE MAYFIELD MURDER

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1932, 15 December 1913, Page 8

THE MAYFIELD MURDER

BIDDLE EXECUTED. (Br Telecraph.-Press Association.) Christehurch, December 14. J no final act in regard to tho Maviteld tragedy took placo in Lyttelton prison on Saturday morning at 8 o clock, when Alfred Mortram Biddle, who had been convicted of tiia murder ot Airs, Rosanna Lilley at Mayfield on Uctober 12 last was executed. Death instantaneous. Sinco his sentence Biddle appeared to have taken matters very calmly, although ho had suffered severely from tho effects of tho poison taken heforo Irs arrest. Ho was constantly watched by .warders, and he was also visited daily by the gaol surgeon, who allowed mm such food as ho expressed a desire for.

Apart from tho sheriff, a minister, tho gaol surgeon,.gaoler, warders, and a Jusfcico of the Peace, tho only other persons present at the execution woro two reporters. At 7.45 a.m. tho man was formally handed over by tho gaoler tp tho sheriff, and a procession was formed, preceded by the Rev. F. Rule, of the Presbyterian Church, who recited passages of Scripture. Biddle, who appeared to be ; n a resigned state, was supported by three warders. At the last Biddle mado a sign 'that ho wished "to speak. The Rev. P. Rule stopped the recital of the burial service and, in a strained voice, asked: 'Have you anything to-sav, Biddle?" Biddle partially lifted'his'*tiead, and in a clear voico said: "l'es, I thank tho Lord Jesus Christ as my Sayiour." Ho paused an instant, and tho minister said: "Is there nothing more, Biddle?" The reply came faintly, "No," and then there was a painful silence, and tho execution took placo immediately after. In accordance with the regulations the gao: was kept closed for an hour afterwardis. There was a crowd of morbid or curious people en tho street outside, but nobody was permitted to enter or leave the prison until after 9 o'clock. Immediately after the execution tho usual declaration was signed by several witnesses.

The Rev. F. Rtilo informed a reporter that he had been with Biddle in his coll for several hours on the previous night, giving him such spiritual comfort as was possible. He appeared to bo resigned, -and went to sleep about 10 o'clock. Mr. Rule went back to tho goal at G o'clock iu tho morning. Biddle was then sleeping, but ho awoke a few minutes later, and ho ate a good breakfast, but had little or nothing'to say. He, however, appeared to be very grateful for tho presence of the clergyman.

At 9.30 a.m. a formal inquest was held by Mr." H. W. Bishop, S.M., District Coroner, who took the evidence* of the sheriff, gaoler, and gaol surgeon. The surgeon stated that death had been instantaneous, and the usual formal verdict was returned.