Execution of Winiata.

Patea Mail, 4 August 1882, Page 3

Execution of Winiata.

(per united press association.) Auckland.—Winiata stepped out of the cell and walked firmly towards the scaffold nodding to the Sheriff and spectators. The Rev Wallis, who has -been with the murderer since the trial, ascended the scaffold with him, and repeated the prayers for the dying. Winata said : “ Friends, Europeans : I am going to give my body to be killed. Listen to me all of you. My bands did not kill that European. This is the end of my body. I have now" a word to say to God.” Raising his eyes to heaven, he continued : “ I am delivering my soul into thy hands. Remember me when I corne into thy kingdom. This is all I have to say.” The cap was then adjusted over his head, and on a signal from the Sheriff the executioner drew the bolt. The scaffold was so constructed that immediately the bolt was drawn the- criminal disappeared from the sight of the spectators, all the lower portion of the scaffold being boarded up.

On examination the neck was found broken, the head hanging back. The doctors state there was life for eight minutes after the drop fell. After hanging for half an hour the body was taken down, placed in a coffin at the foot of the scaffold, and the formal inquest held. No person claimed the body, and the coroner ordered it to be buried within the precincts of the gaol. The executioner was a convict, about 24 years of age, short in stature, but of stout build. He is said to have executed Hiroki, Walsh, and Ah Lee in this colony, and three murderers in New South Wales.