ROTTMAN'S END.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 55, 8 March 1915, Page 4

ROTTMAN'S END.

EXECUTED THIS MORNING.

DOOMED MAN MAKES A STATEMENT ON THE SCAFFOLD.

Pee Press Association

Wellington, March 8.

Arthur Rottman, the young German who was sentenced to death at Wanganui on the 13th February for the murders of Joseph McCann, Lucy Mary McCann, and John Joseph McCann (infant), at Ruahine on 28th December, was executed at the Terrace Gaol at 8 a.m. to-day.

The arrangements were supervised by the Sheriff, Mr W. A. Hawkins, and carried out without hitch, death being instantaneous.

On the scaffold, when asked by the Sheriff if he had anything to say, Rottman, in a firm but low voice, remarked :

"I know nothing of what I have done to these poor people. I am willing to pay the penalty of the crime. It does not appear to me like a horrible sentence, but a great relief. I will die happy facing the Great Entrance into a better life, and may Cod forgive the man that caused my death and a great many more deaths. If this war had never taken place, I would still be a free man. I say Gcod-bye to you all, and God be with you till we meet again."