EXECUTION OF WINIATA.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2921, 5 August 1882, Page 2

EXECUTION OF WINIATA.

[By Telegraph.]

Auckland, Augusts was executed jthis morning. Ho protested bis innocence to the last. The convict stepped out of his cell and walked firmly towards the scaffold, nodding to the Sheriff and spectators. The Her. Dr Wallis, who has.attonded the murderer since his trial, ascended the scaffold with him, and repeated the prayers for the dying. Winiata said, “ friends,Europeans, I am going to give my body to be killed. Listen to me all. My hands did hot 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 come into Thy Kingdom. This is all I have to say.” The cap was then adjusted over his head, and on the signal from the sheriff the executioner drew the bolt. The scaffold was so constructed that immediately the drop was drawn the criminal disappeared from the sight of the spectators, all the lower part of the scaffold being boarded. Upon examination the neck was found to have been broken,the head banging back. The doctors state that they saw signs of life for eight minutes. After hanging for half an hour the body was taken down and placed in a coffin at the foot, of the scaffold. A formal inquest was 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 twenty-four years of age. He is said to have executed Hiroki, Walsh, and Ah Lee in this colony, and three murderers in New South Wales. Latee.

Accounts given of the final scene of Winiata’s execution appear to show that it was sadly bungled, and that bis death was prolonged and painful. In obedience to Winiata’s wish, W. Cleghome, junr., was present at the execution, but the only final statement he made to him was that made from the gallows. la an interview yesterday with Mr Cleghorno, the latter urged him not to die with a lie on bis lips, but he persisted that the half-caste had committed the murder. Mr Clegborne asked him whv be had on the previous evening sharpened the bill-hook with which the murder was committed. This he denied,, when Mr Clegborne assured him that it was useless denying it, as he himself had seen him in the act. Winiata then commenced to cry, and made no more allusion to the.deed. The day before. his trial he is" stated to have remarked to one of the prison officials, “Suppose I get off, let that half-caste look out,” referring to Barlow, his captor, thus showing bis revengeful spirit.