NEW ZEALAND NEWS.

Taihape Daily Times, 19 January 1918, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND NEWS.

BENNIER EXECUTED

PRESERVES A STOLID DEMEANOUR.

WELLINGTON this day.

Bennier, the Kauangaro a murderer, was executed this morning for the murder of his wife .last September. Throughout Bennier maintained a stolid demeanour, and at times appeared indifferent. 'When told the death sentence would be carried out he made no reply, and in all conversations with the clergymen never mentioned tire- crime. He passed a restful night and ate a hearty breakfast. He walked firmly to the' scaffold. When asked if he desired to say anything, he replied he did, and. in a but clear said: “I wish tor tha-tilv "hhe' rninisters ; for their kindj ness, and (after a pause) may God j protect my children.’ ’ Death was instantaneous.

PATRIOTIC POTATOES

FLOURISHING IN CANTERBURY.

NELSON, Jan IS,

Canterbury people have evidently put into practice the advice of the Government to plant potatoes as extensively as possible, for large areas of potatoes are everywhere to be seen in flower. The domestic gardens are also filled with tubers, the crops of which promise to be very good.

A STRANGE FATALITY. NAPIER, Jan 18

A stevedore named John McGarry met with his death in a strange manner to-night. After knocking off work he was under the influence of liquor, and at S o’clock was found quite dead in Hardinge Road, with' his head through a picket fence_ He had evidently fallen asleep and been strangled. Several passers-by noticed him, but had no idea that he was dead.