EXECUTION OF SCOTT.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XX, Issue 2433, 22 May 1893, Page 2

EXECUTION OF SCOTT.

(P£l PRESaASSOjCIAT/ON.) AUCKLAND, May 22. Scott was hanged at one minute past eight this morning, protesting to tbe very last moment that he was innocent. Ho had, be said, made a promise to shield another person, and be was still determined to fulfil that promise. He seemed to pride himself on the fact that be had carried out tbis determination to tbe bitter end. Tbe drop was about twelve feet. Scott was attended to tbe soafiold by tbe Rev. Mr. Calder. He was dressed in his ordinary clothes, and walked to tbe scaffold bareheaded. He looked very pale, notwithstanding that be had during his incarceration grown a beard, He walked to tbe scaffold very quietly and oaimly, and gave no sign of any want of courage. On being asked by the sheriff if be had any statement to tuake, Scott said, "I am innocent." He repeated tbis three times. To Mr Calder he said, "I stand here to make a confession. I have sinned grievously against God ; I have made my \ peace with God." He then proceeded to say, "I am innocent," and repeated ibis to the last. The gaoler asked bim if he bad anything more to say, and he replied, " No." After the sadden jerk whicb followed the [bolt being drawn, there was no vibration of tbe rope, and it was evident death bad been instantaneous, ;-< Latse. Scott's b<>ily was cut down at one minute past nine, and laid on a wooden bench. The appearance of tbe face showed that death mast have been instantaneous. It was little discolored, and with tbe exception of a bluish tint around the lower parts it was placid and more natural in appearance than is usual from death by banging. Tbe usual inquest was held, and verdict of death by hanging was returned.