FURTHER DETAILS

Grey River Argus, 21 December 1920, Page 6

FURTHER DETAILS

The execution of Sapruel John Thorn, aged 39, who was convicted oi: the murder of Sydney Seymour Eyre, of Pukekawa, took place at S o'clock this morning. The only persons present were the gaol officials, the Presbyterian minister who read the burial service, and Press representatives. When challenged in the usual way on the scaffold by the Sheriff and asked if he had anything to say, just before the rope was put .round liis ricck, Thorn,, who was' very composed, said: "Yes. I want to thank the gaol officials, especially tlic three warders who were in attendance on im«, for their kindness; and another thing, I think it was very unjust the police way of treating me. I am not guilty of the murder, and T don 't know who j did it. I inn prepared to meet my God. I have made peace with Him." -After the condemned man's feet had been strapped together, the noose was adjusted round his neck, the white cap was drawn over his head, and the bolt was drawn, ' deatn. being instantaneous. The execution passed off witwithout the slightest hitch of any kind, and w^s all over in. a very few minutes from the time the prisoner was led out of his cell. He maintained^ the same unperturbed demeanour that be has ever since the time of his arrest. When apprchcncl- • C(l he said "Right oh!" and repeated (the same exclamation when informed j that the sentence was to be carried out. . , r ln some executions prisoners give . tUY. impression of bcing-undcr the influence of a drug, but Thorn had his eyes open all the time,' though, his facial muscles showed some feeling while- he was being strapped at the '■ leg's:.. He kept remarkable command over him- * self. The 'custom of burying those; executed in the gaol precincts has been discontinued for many years, and all burials take place elsewhere. It is understood that no' application has been made for Thorn's body, and in that jcasc the interment Avill be. done , ofI fieially.