TE AWAITE MURDER.

Gisborne Times, Volume XVII, 28 February 1905, Page 2

TE AWAITE MURDER.

« HE HAS NOTHING TO CONFESS

(Per Press Association.) Wellington, last night.. Mr E. Arnold, J. P., who is an official gaol visitor, has had several interviews with Ellis in his cell at Terrace gaol. When Ellis was urged after the deoision of the Cabinet that sentence should be carried out, to see a minister oi religion, tho condemned man told Mr Arnold that he thought “ every man should pray for himself,” and ho did not need a spiritual adviser. “ And as to confession,” he added, “ I have nothing to confess.” Arnold saw Ellis again on Saturday last and offered to write on his behalf to bis relatives,or to get him anything he needed. Ellis did. not need any help, nor would he be the means of bringing any relatives, if he had any, to gaol. He was again spoken to regarding the question of religion, and again declined all offers of assistance. During the course of the interview Ellis said to Arnold. 11 1 will not make a confession.” The condemned man was in bright spirits on Saturday. The following letter has been reoeived from Ellis by Mr Wilford : —“ I take the liberty of addressing a few words to you in order to express my gratitude to you for what you have done for me ; you have done more for me than I expected of any man in this country, and words fail to convey my true sentiments. I wish they could, for they would indeed be warm. You have defended me in a ease which has cost you a great deal of thought, labor aud expense, and I have nothing by which I can recompense you for all your trouble on my behalf. I am quite satisfied that you have done all you could, for which I hope you accept my most einoere thanks. You have heard my plea in Court and if you think I am 'not guilty you will remember the rest is silence.—J. Ellis.”