EXECUTION OF NED KELLY.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2392, 16 November 1880, Page 2

EXECUTION OF NED KELLY.

[By Teleouaiti.] Russell, Nov. 10. The Ringarooma which has just arrived from Sydney brings the, following extra issued by the “ Sydney Morning Herald” on the afternoon of Noy. Hi (Thursday last.) ,v Melbourne, Nov. 11. Ned Kelly was 'hung this morning in Melbourne gaol. Up to a short period before his execution he entertained sanguine hopes of a reprieve, and 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 linal appeal that his body should bo given up to his relatives for burial, but this was refused as it was against the prison regulations. His three sisters paid him v, farewell visit yesternight, and an affecting scene ensued. Kelly retired to bed at half past one o’clock in the morning. He was restless for an hour but he then slept well until five, when he arose and prayed for twenty minutes and then lay down again. He was visited shortly afterwards by the Rev. Dean Donnelly and Father O’Shea, who ministered spiritual consolation and remained with him until the last. They would not. allow him any breakfast till just before the irons were knocked off and Kelly was conducted to the condemned cell. He walked jauntily from his'fonner cell, and had to pass through the Governor’s garden, whore he exclaimed “ Oh, what a pretty garden.” He had not been shaved then. He remained in the cell for some time in prayer with the priests. Precisely at ten o’clock the Governor of the gaol and sheriff wont to his demand a warder announced that the fatal moment had arrived. The priests, one bearing a tall crucifix and intoning prayers, preceded the prisoner who cx- ‘ iubited some signs of faltering, but made great efforts to bold up. The gallows was situated opposite to tbe cell door, the drop being seven feet and a half. Kelly in coming out exclaimed, “ Ab, well, it’s come to this at last.” lie gave one look at those present beneath, and then bent bis eyes down and stepped on to the fatal spot, wbeio the noose was adjusted and the white cap pulled over bis f ace. The bolt was then drawn, and death was instantaneous ; only a few twitches were perceptible, and there was no struggling. The body was cut down at half-past ten. Tbe face was found pale but not distorted. A formal inquest was held -at I*2 o’clock, and tbe remains arc to be buried on Friday. An immense mob congregated outside, estimated at about (5000 persons, but there was no disturbance.