Execution of Terry at Castlemaine.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume XII, Issue 508, 12 September 1867, Page 2

Execution of Terry at Castlemaine.

—UoiauiiLi; Scene. —Terry, the murderer of Reddick, was hung on Wednesday last within the precincts of (he Castlcmaine gaol, and in the presence of about lot) persons. How the wretched man conducted himself under the circumstances we learn from the Daily Kews : —“ At 10 o’clock the sheriff, accompanied by the gaoler, proceeded to the condemned cell, aud informed the prisoner that he must prepare to meet his doom. Terry left the cell, looking not much different than he appeared in the dock during Ins trial. Tiie drop was immediately in front of his cell, and as he came out he saw the noosed rope swaying to and fro before his eyes. He was at once pinioned, a white cap was drawn partially over his face ; tho rope ■was placed round his neck, and he took his stand on the drop. The Rev. Air King, Wcsl cyan minister, then read a short prayer, and at the conclusion he asked Terry if lie desired to communicate with him further, Terry replied in a low voice, ‘1 wish to return thanks to the Governor of the jail and the turnkeys for their kindness to me. I forgive all persons who have brought me to this position. May. G od forgi'- c the five people " ho have sworn away my life, the two detectives, Hockey and his daughter, and Dring. lam sorry to sav the sheriff has not aeltd well to me; he denied me the only privilege I asked, but I hoj e God will forgive him.” Then there was a pause ; it was evident Terry had said all ho intended to say. Presently the bolt was drawn, tlie drop fell, and the body of tile murderer was heaving convulsively -below. It soon became evident that tho rope had not been properly adjusted, for Terry was being slowly strangled. It was fully eleven minutes before the convulsive movement, eeasrd, and animation had departed. He staff dto too Rev. Mr King, who was with him to the last moment, that he deserved to die for Ins many crimes; but l;s abstained from all mention of that for vliioli hs was doomed to suffer.