The Great Barrier Murder

Feilding Star, Volume VIII, Issue 85, 25 January 1887, Page 2

The Great Barrier Murder

THE PEISONEES SENTENCED

TO DEATH

[PEB UNITKD PKKSS ASSOCIATION.]

Auckland, January 22. The trial of Caffrey and Perm was resumed to-day.

Mr Williamson, before the case was proceeded with, again raised a question as to the prisoners having a right to make a statement after counsel had done so. He argued that counsel and prisoners had not such a right as that. If one was allowed to speak the other should not do so.

Mr Napier contended that if a distinction was made now it was a hard case upon him and his client. i His Honor thought as it had been granted in one case it ought not, in fairness, to he denied to the prisoners in the present case, whatever might be done in future cases.

Mr Napier then addressed the jury on behalf of the prisoner Penu. His Honor, in summing up, impressed upon the jury the importance of returning a verdict in accordance •with the facts of the case independently of any other consideration whatever, and not allowing their minds to be disturbed by anything they might have heard before coming into Court. The jury retired at 4.30, and returned into court after an hour's absence, with a verdict of guilty against both prisoners, but with a recommendation to mercy.

On the prisoners being challenged why sentence of death should not be passed upon them, Caffrey said he never committed the murder — he was incapable of such a cowardly act. Perm also declared his innocence. He was led away, he said, by Caff rey to join him in getting away Mrs Seymour, believing she was willing to go with Caffrey. He had no intention or design to harm the Taylor family. His Honor then assumed the black cap, and delivered the following impressive address, and pronounced the death sentence : — " Prisoners at the bar : After a lengthened trial and a notable defence, you have been found guilty on evidence which carried conviction to the minds of all who heard it of the fearful crime wherewith you stand charged. The jury have recommended you to mercy, and that recommendation shall be duly forwarded to the Governor, but I can hold out no hopes to you now that it will be acted upon, for since the day when the word wa& spoken, tf Whoso sheddeth man's blood by man shall liis blood be shed," no more cowardly or more deliberate murder has ever been planned or perpetrated. From the earth where it was spilt the voice of that old man's blood cries aloud unto Heaven. You deemed your escape secure, for the keel of your vessel left no track that human eye J could follow, but you forgot that the way of God is on the seas and his path in the great waters. At His word the stormy wind arose which drove you westward on the shores of Australia whence you have been brought hither to face your doom. Yet to you the law will be more merciful than you were to your victim. You sent him to his last account without one moment's respite for repentance. To you time will be given to meet your God. With man's tribunal you have now well nigh done ; but hereafter we must all stand before the judgment seat of Christ, and if you would there find pardon 1 entreat you to spend in penitence and prayer the few days yet left to you on earth. It now remains for me to pass upon you the last awful sentence of the law — that you, each of you, be severally hung by the neck until you are dead, and may the Lord in hi& infinite mercy have compassion on your souls. ; Perm gave a cynical, sickly smile, and bowed to the audience ; Caffrey was equally unmoved, further than a hectic flush on his cheek. The crowd then dispersed. No manifestation of any kind took place.lanuary 24. The delay in the Barrier verdict is said to have been due to the obstinacy of one juryman, who contended that they ought not to hang two men for one murder, and proposed to draw lots. The prisoners are heavily ironed in the gaol, and constantly attended by a warder, but are allowed to see their friends. Rev. J. S. Hill, Anglican minister, is ministering to them. Both men are depressed since the sentence was pronounced, especially Perm, who was formerly hopeful. It is expected that the execution will take place on the 14 February. It is stated that a requisition is being signed for presentation to the Governor, praying that the recommendation to mercy by the jury may be given effect to. Later. It is rumoured that Caffrey and Perm have made a full confession. This Day. The reported confession of Caffrey and Perm is quite correct. Perm says he fired the last shot which proved fatal. Caffrey confesses he fired at Taylor, and believes he lodged a bullet in his body. Reston, the gaoler, telegraphed the statements to thfl Minister of Justice. It is not expected the petition in Caffrey's favor will have any effect.