THE CONDEMNED CRIMINALS.

West Coast Times, Issue 326, 9 October 1866, Page 2

THE CONDEMNED CRIMINALS.

(feom the nelson examineb, oct. 2) We understand that these wretched men continue • in much the same state as during the past week. Burgess is far more subdued in manner, and spends his time in reading religious books supplied to him by a gentleman belonging to the Baptist ' denomination who has interested himself in his spiritual welfare for some time past. It is statedthat Burgess, having heard that it was intended to take casts of the heads of the murderers after their execution, earnestly requested that it might. take place, in his case, before death," on the plea that the features were generally much distorted . after death by strangulation ! Kelly is still in a very weak, depressed state, auS requires to be supplied with " niedical comforts " in order to sustain his strength. t Levy exhibits much, restlessness of . manner, and ' daily betrays an increasing terror of death. He is constantly attended by the Rabbi. It will be seen from the telegram which reached us last night, and which appears elsewhere, that, in consequence of communications made to the' Government with" reference to some alleged disclosures since the; conviction of the prisoners, which require consideration, and- have been submitted to the Judge, the 'order for the execution hos hot yet been despatched from Wellington. Ifc is a matter of notoriety, that the members of the Jewish persuasion in this city have been making vigorous efforts -to prove' the innocence of the prisoner Levy, and probably this delay may be attributable to this pircumstande. We can only say, should this be the case, that having carefully considered the evidence produced at the trial, as well as the very contradictory statements which have been promulgated with reference to Levy's participation in the_crime by his fellow-religionists, we are quite at a loss to conceive any reasonable excuse for staying the hand of justice in his favor; nay, more, are decidedly of opinion that such a course of .action, with so slight j a prospect of success, Is only calculated to inflict additional suspense and suffering upon these unhappy men. (By Electric Telegraph from Wellington.) Instructions for the execution of the Maungatapu murderers have - not yet , been given. Disclosures made in Nel-son-Gaol since the men were condemned have been communicated to the Government, and require (Jousrderation. '.They have been- submitted to his Honor Mr Justice Johnston. ' -