FOUND GUILTY

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20950, 1 November 1939, Page 8

FOUND GUILTY

DEATH SENTENCE

PATIENCE MURDER TRIAL MERCY RECOMMENDED DEMEANOUR OF ACCUSED (By TeJegrapn.— Press Association) CHRISTCHURCH, Tuesday Found guilty of murdering his wife, Harriet Jane Patience, at Claverley on October 4, Arthur John Patience was sentenced to death by Mr Justice Northcrcft in the Supreme Court this afternoon. The jury which was away for several hours, added a strong recommendation for mercy, which His Honour said would be passed on to the proper quarter. Patience appeared quite calm, smiling at an acquaintance as he stepped into the dock. Asked if he had anything to say before the sentence of death was passed, he said: “Well, Your Honour, I would like to say and put before both this Court and the people of New Zealand that i have been in New Zealand for about 27 years and I have worked hard. Also, I have given my services to the last war twice, and also that if < I were free I would give my services in this war, and I should like to say there is no man or woman who would say I have caused them injury. I say from my heart and soul I am an innocent man of this crime.” Police Commended The Court crier then made the special demand for silence before the sentence of death was passed. His Honour said: “Patience, you have been convicted, and, I am bound to say, I think properly convicted, of the crime of murder.” The sentence of death was then passed. The jurymen were thanked for their services and exempted from jury service for the next five years. To the Crown Prosecutor His Honour said he considered it proper to comment on the debt to the police, who were entitled to the thanks of the community. A great deal ot work had been done efficiently, and while it was, perhaps, invidious to make a distinction, Senior-Sergeant J. Bickerdike, under the direction oi his superior officers, had discharged his duty with commendable efficiency. Constable J. B. Kearton, police photographer, in this case, as lin many others, had helped materially |in the presentation of evidence by his | good work. The Court then adjourned, the spectators hurrying out in the hope of seeing Patience depart.

EFFORT TOWARD REPRIEVE

APPLICATION TO BE MADE (By Telegraph.—Press Association) CHRISTCHURCH, Wednesday Every effort is to be made to secure a reprieve for Arthur John Patience, who was convicted of murder in the Supreme Court yesterday and sentenced to death. Mr R. A. Young, who appeared for Patience, said this morning that an application for reprieve would be forwarded to the Executive Council.