THORN EXECUTED.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 2218, 21 December 1920, Page 3

THORN EXECUTED.

DENIES HE WAS GUILTY. STATEMENT FROM THE SCAF- , FOLD. Auckland, Yesferday. The execution of Samuel John Thorn, aged 39, 'convicted of the murder of Sydney Seymour Eyre, at Fukekawa, took place at 8 o’clock this morning. The only persons present were the gaol officials, a Presbyterian minister (who read the burial service), and press representatives. When challenged in the usual way on the scaffold by (ho sheriff, who asked if he had something to say, Thorn, who was very composed, said: — “Yes, I want to thank the gaol officials, especially the throe warders -who were in allenchwqm on me, for their kindness. And' another thing, I think it was very unjust the way the police treated me. I am not guilty of (he murder, and I don’t know who did it. I am prepared to meet my Ood; I have made my peace with Him.” Death was instantaneous. The prisoner maintained the same unperturbed demeanour that he had ever borne since (be time of bis arrest. When apprehended ho said “Right oh,” and he repeated the same exclamation when informed that the death sentence; was to be carried out. The custom of burying executed people in the gaol precincts lias been discontinued for many years. All the burials take place elsewhere. It is understood dial no application, has been made for Thorn’s body. In that ease, the .interment will lie done officially. Thorn was confined in a little cell off an iron-guarded hall, leading to the gaol yard. At firsl, it is understood, ho did not desire to see a clergyman, but nearer the date ot his execution he asked tor one ot the Presbyterian denomination. The Rev, E, R. Jeffries attended and rend Scriptures,/ and prayed will) him. Thom wa> described in die prison record as aged 39, a married man, and bis religion was given as Pre'sbvterian.