EXECUTION OF JOHNSTON.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XII, Issue 3824, 1 June 1891, Page 3

EXECUTION OF JOHNSTON.

Tbe Last XCeme&ts. Melbourne, May 19. The execution of James Johnstone, who murdered his wife and four children, and attempted to take his own life by swallowing poison in December last, took place in the Ballarat Gaol, on May 18, in the presenca of twelve persons, eight being pressmen. Shortly after ten o'clock the Sheriff appeared on the gallery, accompanied by the Governor of the Gaol, Dr Jordan, and the Rev Cairns, who had attended Johnston since his condemnation. A few .minutes later Johnston, who had occupied the condemned cell which op ens on to the gallows, was wheeled out in a chair by Jones, the hangman, and taken on to the drop. Jones then assisted him to rise, and partly supported him while adjusting the rope and cap. Johnston nodded in farewell to the Sheriff and the Rev. —Cairns, and gazed scrutinisingly on those below. He appeared perfectly unmoved, and when askod if he desirad to say anything, shook his head. The cap was quickly pulled over his face, and the bolt was drawn. Death was instantaneous. Up to the last, Johnston displayed the same dogged assumption of innocence that had characterised him throughout, making no statement other than that he knew nothing of the horrible tragedy. On the previous day he desired the governor to thank the warders for their attention to him since his incarceration, and also repeated the request that no post mortem should be held over bis remains. After the final decision of the Executive was conveyed to him he maintained a most cheerful demeanor, and so indifferent did he appear as to his fate that, when being taken across the yard, hetjozed at' She gallows and smiled. The night before his execution he slept soundly, and in the morning he ate rayenously. The remains were buried in the gaol yard, in a grave that Lad "remained open to receive them since the previous Monday. .