THE CONDEMNED MAORI.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10262, 14 June 1911, Page 4

THE CONDEMNED MAORI.

Few people will regard with feelings of other than horror the contamplation of the unhappy Native youth, Tahi Kaha, being "thonged by the neck until he is dead." The crime for which 'he was condemned was revolting in its cruelty. In a lonely spot, and in a treacherous manner, he assailed an elderly man and brutally did him to death. In extenuation, it is pleaded that the youth—who is only eighteen years of iage—did mot realise the enormity of this offence, that he is, mentally dull, and that he frankly admitted his guilt when charged. The jury thought this sufficient to make a strong recommendation to mercy. The Executive has decided, however, that the law must take its course, and at a period when the British peoples will be rejoicing over an epoch-marking event, this wretched youth will be facing the grim spectacle of the gallows. The gruesomeness of the thing is 'too awful to reflect upon. One could almost hope thai at this late hour the clemency of the Orown would be extended, and that the sacrifice of human blood to avenge a crime,.terrible though it be,, migbfc be avoided.