THE RUAHINE MURDER

Grey River Argus, 15 February 1915, Page 6

THE RUAHINE MURDER

ACCUSED FOUND GUILTY. THE DEATH SENTENCE PASSED, BY TELEGRAPH —PER PRESS ASSOCIATIONWA"NGANUI, Feb. 14. In the Bottman ease the jury retired "at 12.48 p.m. and returned at 2.10 p.m. with a verdict of guilty on each count. Bottman received the verdict calmly, and in reply to the usual question said: —"l have only got to say that I have been working for the McCann's Since 15th August, 1914, and since that time we have always been on the best of terms together, and have not looked for any argument. I have received the best of treatment, and at any time there could be no reason v nor did they give me any for committing the crime, i I know nothing of killing the poor people. Although my country is at war with yours I have received a fair trial, and if I have to die like my countrymen, who are lighting, I will die with a good heart and leave it to that great day for our good Father in heaven to judge." His Honour deferred passing sentence. He said that he was satisfied that the fact that the German and British nations had nothing to do with the murder or with the course of the trial. Bottman had been found guilty on the plainest of evidence, and the verdict was entirely justified. His Honour said that, he regretted having to pass sctence of death upon so young a man, but the jury had found him guilty after a careful trial. The sentence would be considered by His Majesty's Government, but he need hardly say there was no hope of reprieve, for not one murder but three had been committed with, full knowledge of the circumstances and of the sesulftf ■**'■■■!■■'•'v:'*: ■•*•' '*■ Assuming the black cap His Honour said: "You will be taken from here to the place of execution and there you will be hanged by your neck until you are dead. 5' His Honour added fervently: "May God have mercy on your soul." In dismisisng the jury, His Hoonur said that he was fully in accord with the verdict.