THE EXECUTION OF KELLY.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1319, 16 November 1880, Page 2

THE EXECUTION OF KELLY.

(BY TELEGBAPH FROM AUCKLAND.) Melbourne, November 11. Kelly was hanged this morning in Melbourne gaol. Up to a short period before his execution he entertained sanguine hopes of a reprieve, and he made frequent written appeals for clemency. Yesterday the governor of the gaol informed him that there was no hope, and told him he must prepare for the worst. Kelly made a final appeal that his body should be given up to his relatives for burial, but this was refused, as being against the prison regulations. His three sisters paid him a farewell visit last night, and an affecting scene ensued. Kelly retired to hjs bed about half-past one o'clock in the morning, but was restless for an hour. He then slept well until five, when he arose and prayed twenty minutes. _ He then lay down again. He was visited shortly afterwards by the Revs, IJean Donnolly and Shea, who ministered to him spiritual consolation, and remained with him until the last. They would not allow him to breakfast. J"ust before 9 o'clock the irons were knocked off, and Kelly was conducted to the condemned cell. He walked jauntily from his former cell, and had to pa3s through the governor's garden, where he exclaimed, " Oh, what a pretty garden." He had not been shaved. He then remained in the call in prayer with the priests until precisely 10 o'clock, when the governor of the gaol and the sheriff went to the door, and the warder announced that the fatal moment had arrived, The priests, one bearing a tall crucifix, intoning prayers, preceded the prisoner, who exhibited some signs of faltering but mado a great effort to hold up. The gallows were situated opposite the cell door, the drop being seven and a half. Kelly in coming out exclaimed, "Ah ! well, its 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, where the noose was adjusted and the white cap pulled over his face. The bolt was drawn and death was instantaneous, only a few twitchings being perceptible, and no struggling. The body was cut down at halfrpast ten. The face was found pale but not distorted, 4 formal inquest was held at 12 o'clock, and' the remains, are to be buried on Friday. An immense mob congregated outside, numbering about fiQQty persons, but there wa3 no disturbance, __