THE DEATH PENALTY

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 100, 21 January 1918, Page 6

THE DEATH PENALTY

i KAUANGAROA MURDERER EXECUTION OF BENNIER Frank Edward Bennier, condemned to death for the murder of his wife at Rauangaroa, was executed in the Terrace Gaol at 8 a.m. on Saturday. After Bennier's conviction and condemnation, his counsel raised doubts of his sanity. The Executive went into the matter, and received a medical report upon tho prisoner. It then decided that the sentenco must stand. "When Bennier was told that ho must die he made no remark. His attitude all along seemed consistent with a realisation that he must pay the penalty of deliberate murder. While he awaited his doom he received the spiritual ministrations of the Eev. W. Ballachey, gaol chaplain, and of the Rev. H. Watson, vicar of St. Peter's. Mr. Watson states that ho .nover hoard Bennier make any reference to tho crime. Bennier passed a restful night before the end. Even as the final preliminaries were being arranged by the sheriff in the morning, tho condemned man was eating a good breakfast in his cell. He declined the offer of a stimulant; and he went with firm step on his last grim walk. In front of him was the chaplain, Mr. Watson, on either side of him a warder, and behind him the few other persons who were to witness his deatli. With arms pinnoned, and tho noose about his neck, ho stood quietly upon the scaffold. Asked if he had anything to say, ho signiSed that ho had. It seemed as if he h?d considered quite carefully his final message. He actually paused a moment, till the reporters drew nearer. Then softly, but steadily enough, he said: "Thank the ministers for their kindness." In response to an inquiry as to whether he had anything to add, he said: "And may God protect my children." The white cap was then adjusted, and a few seconds later Bennier had paid the full penalty. Those present at the execution were: Mr. W. A. Hawkins, sheriff; Mr. M. Hawkins, Deputy Inspector of Prisons; Mr. G. Crook, Governor of the Gaol; tho Rev. H. Watson,; Dr. H. Gilmer, gaol surgeon; Messrs. E. Arnold and H. Hume, Visiting Justices; Mr. H. Foreman, chief warder; and a representative from each of the three Wellington daily papers. It has been supposed by many that Bonnier was of German parentage, but the supposition is incorrect.