THE McCANN MURDERS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 37, 15 February 1915, Page 2

THE McCANN MURDERS.

ROTTMAN’S CALM REPLY.

“I KNOW NOTHING OF KILLING

THE POOR PEOPLE.”

Per Press Association

Wanganui, February 14

The jury retired at 12.48 p.m., and returned at 2.10 p.m. with a verdict of guilty on each count. Rottnuum received the verdict calmly, and, in reply to the usual question, said: “I have only got to say that I have been working for the McCanns since loth August, 1014, and since that time we have always been on the best of terms together, and have not looked for any argument. I have received the best of treatment, and at any time there could be no reason, nor did they give me any, for committing the crime. I know nothing of killing the poor people. Although my country is at war with yours, 1 have received a fair trial, and if I have to die like my countrymen who are fighting. I will die with a good heart, and leave it to that Great Day for our Good Father in Heaven to judge.” THE VERDICT PLAIN. His Honor, before passing sentence, said he was satisfied that the fact of the German and British nations being at war had nothing to do with the murder, or with the course of the trial.. Rottmann had been found guilty on the plainest evidence, and the verdict was entirely justified. His Honor regretted having to pass sentence of death on so young a man, but the jury had found him guilty after a careful trial. The sentence would be considered by His Majesty|fc Government, but he need hardly say that there was no hope of reprieve, for not one murder, but three, had been committed, with a full knowledge of the circumstances and of the ..result.

Assuming the black cap, His Honor said: “You will be taken from here to the ..place of execution, and there will be hung by your neck until you are dead.” His Honor added fervently: “May God have mercy on your soul.”

In dismissing the jury, His Honor said he was fully in accord with the verdict.