SYDENY

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume XII, Issue 493, 18 July 1867, Page 2

SYDENY

EXcCVTIOX OF Tilr CLARKLS, LUSHKAXUF.IIS>. .'i IR-vRv, Ci'th Thomas ana John Clarke were executed together within the precincts of i)arlinghurst Jail yesterday, a few minutes past nine o'clock, in the presence of about one hundred and twenty spectators and a largo detachment of city police. The execution was conducted in a very prompt and brief manner. The procession was formed exactly at nine o'clock. Thomas Clarke was accompanied by the 11 or. Father John Dwyer, and John Clarke by the Eev. Father OT’arrell. The prayers said by the clergymen were in a low tone. Both prisoners walked with their beads

Lowed down, and with their eyes partially closed. T'hey looked very careworn and dejected. They paid no attention to the presence of so many spectators, upon whom they did not so much us cast one look. Their minds seemed to be fully absorbed in meditation and prayer. On arriving at the foot of the gallows they both knelt Lriefly in prayer. The Eev. Father Dwyer then proceeded up the ladder to the scaffold, followed Ly Thomas and John (Jkrko, and the Rev. Father O’Farrell. The prisoners, especially John, manifested slight trepidation. John was placed to the left of his brother. "When the rope was adjusted on John’s nock he looked moment rily at his brother, whose eyes remained closed. The rope was then adjusted round Thomas 5 neck. A few more prayers —very brief, were said, when the Rev. Father Dwyer took Thomas 5 left and John’s right baud, Lid them farewell, and left them. The Rev. Father O'Farrell held the cross to each of their lips; aad both kissed it —their eyes being closed. Both clergymen having departed, the hangman placed a white cap over each of the culprits’ faces and drew the bolt. Both fell to a depth of nine feet —their necks wore dislocated —and they died instantly without a struggle, and without any perceptible muscular spasm.

There are some facts in connection with these executed criminals deserving of notice. It is well known that their solicitor, air Joseph Leary, spared no personal effort in defending them, and in endeavoring to procure a mitigation of their sentence. He procured two very eminent counsel at their trial; and when sentence was passed, moved the full court in arrest of judgment. Failing in tins he went personally on Thursday and had an interview with his Excellency! private secretary, and pleaded ably for mercy, especially for John Clarke. Feeling that it would be necessary to submit ids case in writing, he drew up a a elaborate statement, which las Excellency placed specially before the Ex, entire Council on Monday, lucre was a full meeting of the council —the further report of the Chief Justice and Tin; opinions of tlia Attorney-General one. the Solicitor-General being considered with Mr Leary's statement. The result of a most anxious deliberation, however, was that the two criminals slmuld be left to their late.