THE DEATH PENALTY

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXIII, Issue 71, 6 March 1933, Page 6

THE DEATH PENALTY

EDWARD TARRANT EXECUTED. THE PICTON MURDER. By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, March 6. The sentence of death upon Edward Tarrant for the murder of James Mood at Picton on November 3, 1931. was carried out at Wellington Prison, Mount Crawford, Mirimar, this mornuig at six minutes to eight. He was taken from his cell and a solemn procession consisting of the superintendent of the prison, Mr J. Down; the medical officer to the prison, Dr. 11. Gilmer; Sheriff Samson, the Rev. Father M. Uhlenberg, the prison warders, press representatives and others proceeded to tho scaffold which was placed in a corner of the yard, a tarpaulin covering three sides and the top. Preparations having been completed, the sheriff mounted to the scaffold and, addressing the prisoner, said: “Edward Tarrant; having been sentenced that you bo taken to the place of execution and there hanged by tho neck until you are dead, have you anything to say before that sentence it curried into execution?” Tarrant replied: “Nothing.” He was composed throughout the brief proceedings. Death followed a moment later at a signal from the sherriff. About 25 persons, including prison officials aud warders were present. From the time Tarrant left nis cell until the execution only three minutes elapsed. An inquest was held later and a verdict returned that the prisoner had been duly executed in accordance with the law. The Union Jack was flown from one of the flagpoles, ns is customary on such occasions, ami immediately tho execution took place a black flag teas displayed from an adjoining flagpole and remained in position for an hour. Throughout his period of eonfim moot at Mount Crawford prison Tarrant wrj calm and gave no trouble whatsoever. He passed a quiet night last night ;»nd 1 ate a good breakfast this morning. H< j retuseii a stimulant before going to th. scaffold. A; tli<- prisoner’s requusl i Father Uhlenberg administered ths ! Last Sacrament this morning. Tarranf was quite composed but said practical!, nothing Io the prim t