THE MURDERER HIROKI.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2872, 8 June 1882, Page 2

THE MURDERER HIROKI.

•' ' [By Telegraph.J Mew Plymouth, June 7. It is said that' Hiroki’s wife visited him a few days ago, and after showing marked sympathy for her husband, she b’gan to upbraid him for trusting in Te Whiti, and asserted that Ids blind trust had landed him in his present position, lie could see now, when too late, that To Whiti could not save him. It is also stated that Iliroki had a dream about a week ago, in which he imagined he found mutton fish, but they were only empty shells. He was deeply impressed by this dream, and stated that it was an ill omen. He said that eight days from that day he would bo exe cuted. Archdeacon Govett has attended the prisoner and administered spiritual consolation to him, and Iliroki appears to be fervent in his deVotions. THE EXECUTIONNew Ply’mouth, This Day. Iliroki, for the' murder of McLean at Motnahake was executed in Hew Plymouth gaol this morning atß o’clock. Last night thb prisoner enjoyed a quiet natural sleep, but on waking this morning the recollection of the solemn proceedings distressed him and he wept somewhat freely; He, however recovered his composure shortly afterwards and a cheerful disposition. Archdeacon Govett attended, nnd was engaged for some time in spiritual devotions previous to his being taken to the gallows. The scaffold was erected in the north-east corner of the prison, in front of tho coils 'where Te Whiti and Tohu were confined. Shortly, after 8 o’clock the prisoner was brought out from his cell and pinioned in" the usual manner. Ho ascended the scaffold with a , firm step, and although his countenance was slightly paled he exhibited no other signs of emotion. He stepped forward to the spot indicated by the executioner and stood firmly, the rope having been adjusted and the cap put on. The last words of the burial service bad scarcely been spoken when the drgp fell and Hiroki disappeared out of sight. Death was instantaneous as scarcely a muscle was moved.