DEATH PENALTY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1392, 1 March 1905, Page 2

DEATH PENALTY.

'EXECUTION OF, A MURDERER-.

(Per Press Association.). WELLINGTON, last night. ■Ellis, ‘the murderer of Collinson, fwas executed at the .Terrace Gaol ah 8 o’clock tills morning. Death was instantaneous.; The condemned man spent thp Hay; yesterday, in, the same cheerful spirits as he had spent the time since he was sentenced, lie occupied the time during .the evening in readies- ' During the "day lie told the gaoler that he hoped: no one would ask him any questions. He went to sleep at eleven o’clock last night, and slept very, soundly ; haying to be shaken at seven o’clock itiiis morniii'g 'Ho awaken ftim. He was visited by, the gaoler, surgeon, and Rev, Davys, but bad 110thsng to say. He asked for some brandy, which was given him.. Qn the way to the scaffold, he did not seem at all concerned. He walked steadily and briskly fco the platform, where he took his position, quite composed, although a trifle pale. Just before the bolt was drawn he was asked if he had anything to say. I and replied : Nothing at all ; only | that; I’m innocent', .That is all I | have to. say.” j The bolt was drawn. I Death was instantaneous. 1 Desides the officials, three press- I men and two others were the only [ persons present. The ‘scaffold and rope were the same as were used for. McLean g-hhe Amberley, murderer), Bosher, and Pnillpot. Ellis being a small man an eight foot drop, had to be allowed.