EXECUTION IN NEW SOUTH WALKS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1047, 23 December 1882, Page 3

EXECUTION IN NEW SOUTH WALKS.

I'lhe man who was convicted of murdering one Smith, at liiverrell 18 months ago was hanged in the Armidale Gaol recently. He wa<! very much thinner, and had altered ranch in appearance since sentence was passed upon him. He said good-bye to the gaoler and warder, and said he was sorry for his conduct at his trial. He walked very firmly to the scaffold, accompanied by Dean O'Connor and Father M'Cabe, and when at the conclusion of the service Dean O'Connor presented the crucifix he kissed it fervently. His lips seemed glued to it. and he seemed loth to let it be taken away. His utterances of the responses at this time were very thrilling. When he cried 'Christ have mercy on my soul, nearly everyone present was affected. Father M'Cabe was deeply moved, and several times wept bitterly. His voice at some parts of the sei vice was broken with emotion. WT.on the priest descended from the scaffold, the hangmau rapidly put the white cap on M'Guan, who then cried out in a loud voice, 'Hold on.' The hangman did not desist, and while the rope was beinc: put round his neck M'Guan spoke through the white cap, ' I declare mv innocence. lam as innocent as the day I was born.' lie was proceeding to say something about forgiveness when the bolt was driwn, and the unhappy man was launched into eternity. Death appeared to be instantaneous, although the body twitched convulsively for uearly two minute? afterwards. M'Guan was a very heavy man, and the drop was about eight feetHe held a handkerchief in his hand, and it was grasped convulsively. After death it was found impossible to remove it. Rain fell during the execution. When Dean O'Connor and Father M'Cal.o knelt after the bolt was drawn, one of the spectators also knelt down and prayed fervently for the repose of the soul of the dead man.