ELLIS SAYS HE IS INNOCENT.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLVIII, Issue 8163, 28 February 1905, Page 2

ELLIS SAYS HE IS INNOCENT.

WELLINGTON, February 28. Ellis, the murderer of Collinson, was exmiipd at the Terrace Gaol this morning at 8 o'clock.

The condemned man spent the day yesterday in the same cheerful spirits as" he has spent the time since boing sentenced. Ho occupied himself during the evening in reading and during the day he told his gaoler that ho hoped no one would ask him any questions. He went to sleep at 11 o'clock last night, and slept very soundly, having to be shaken at 7 o'clock this morning to wake him. He was visit ed by the gaoler and surgeon, and the Rev. Davys, but had nothing to say. He asked for some brandy, which was given him.

On the way to the scaffold he did not seem at all concerned, and walked steadily and briskly to the platform. When he took his position he was quiet and composed, though a triHe pale. Just before the bolt was drawn he was asked if he had anything to say, and replied : "Nothing at all, only that I am innocent. That is all 1 have to say." The bolt was then drawn. Death was instantaneous. Resides the officials three pressmen and two others were the only persons present.

The scaffold and rope were the same as was used for McLean (the Amberley murderer), Bosher and Phillpotf. Ell'is, being a small man, an eight feet drop had to be allowed.