PRISONER CONFESSES GUILT

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 93, 19 April 1923, Page 8

PRISONER CONFESSES GUILT

The statement to which TuM referred 1 and which had been forwarded to the Under-Secretary for Justice, was made available this afternoon. It was witnessed by the gaoler. The statement reads: '.'I am guilty of the crime for which I have been condemned. As I am about to pass into Eternity I l-ealise the awful nature of the crime of murder. I cannot explain the motive that prompted me to do the awful deed. ■ Some demon must have taken possession of me. 2vo one else is guilty. I alone am to blame. "All the accusations I made against an unknown person are untrue. Also ; all I.said about the treatment meted oui to me by the detectives is likewise untrue. The only reparation I can make is first of all to make this confession of my guilt to the public. I accept my; execution as the only act. ■ of atonement I can make to the God whom I have outraged., I offer every step I take from my cell to the gallows as a further act of reparation for my crime. I place my hope of mercy and forgiveness in the sufferings and death' of Our Lord Jesus Christ., Throughout.my life my knowledge oi religion was very limited. I had not" . the comfort and help which it gives. I If I had been brought up differently in the fear and love of God, I would have led a different life and would not have been in the position in which I find myself to-day. The knowledge of God and practice of religion I feel sure are the only means to keep one from sin and crime. I publicly 'thank God for bringing me to the knowledge of His love and mercy even in these last days of my. life. "Again' I am heartily sorry and deeply regret my awful crime, and I ask the public not to think too harshly of me but to remember I am a Native, with different ideas and dispositions! from the pa.keha, and to_ consider my surroundings and upbringing. "In conclusion, I throw, myself into the arms of a Merciful God, fully,trusting in His pardon and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. ' May God give me courage to meet my end with Christian resignation,, and may He ifr His great love have mercy on my poor soul. Farewell. ' "(Signed) "JOHN TUHI." The statement was made yesterday.