EXECUTION OF NED KELLY.

Marlborough Daily Times, Volume II, Issue 174, 19 November 1880, Page 3

EXECUTION OF NED KELLY.

Mur.BouuxJv, November 11. Ned Kelly was hanged this m Wiling in Melbourne gaol. Up to a short time before the execution lie entertained sanguine hopes of a reprieve, and made frequent written appeals for clemency. Yesterday the Governor of the Gaol informed him there was no hope, and told him he must prepare for the worst. Kelly made a final appeal that his body might be given up to his friends for burial, but that was refused, as it was against the prison regulations. His three sisters paid him a farewell visit yesternight, and an effecting scene ensued. Kelly retired to lied at half-past i o’clock in the morning. He was restless for one hour, and then slept well until •"> o’clock when ho arose and prayed for twenty minutes. He then lay down again, and was visited shortly afterwards by the Revs. Messrs. Deans, Donoly, and O’Hen, who ministered spiritual consolation and remained with him until the last. They would not allow him to breakfast. Just before f) the irons were knocked olf, and Kelly was conducte l to the condemned cell. He walked jauntily from his former cell, and had to pass through the Governors garden, where he exclaimed “Oh, what a pretty garden.” He had not been shaved. He then remained in the cell in prayer with the priests. Precisely at 10 the governor of the gaol and the sheriff went to the door, and a warder announced tliat the fatal moment had arrived. The priests—one bearing a tall crucifix and intoning prayers—proceeded the prisoner, who exhibited some signs of faltering, but made great efforts to hold up. The gallows were situated opposite to the cell door, the drop being seven feet and a half. Kelly on coining out, exclaimed, “ Oh, well, it’s come to this at last.” He gave one look at those present beneath, and then cast his eyes down and stepped on the fatal spot, were the noose was adjusted and the white cap pulled over his face. The bolt was drawn, and death ensued instantaneously, only a few twitcliings being preccptible. There was no struggling. The body was cut down at half-past 10. 'l’lie face was found pale, but not distorted. The formal inquest was held at 12 o’clock, and the remains are to he buried on Friday. An immense mob congregated outside the gaol, consisting of about (5000 persons ; but there was no disturbance.