EXECUTION OF NED KELLY.

Marlborough Press, Volume XXI, Issue 1249, 19 November 1880, Page 3

EXECUTION OF NED KELLY.

THE CONVICT’S LAST MOMENTS. THE SCENE ON THE SCAFFOLD. Melbodene, November 11. Ned Kelly was hanged this morning in the Melbourne gaol. Up to a short time before tire execution he entertained sanguine hopes of a reprieve, and made frequent written appeals for clemency. Yesterday the Governor of the gaol informed him there was no hope, and told him he must prepare for the worst Kelly mad • a final appeal that his body might be given up to his friends for burial, but ;that was refused, as it was against the prison regulations. His three sisters paid him a farewell visit yester-night, and an affecting scene ensued. Kelly retired to bsd at half-past 1 o’clock in the morning. He was restless for one hour, and then slept well until 5 o’clock, when he arose and prayed for twenty minutes. He then lay down ag»in, and was visited shortly afterwards by the Revs, Messrs Deans, Donoby, and O’Hea, who ministered spiritual consolation and remained with him until the last They would not allow him to breakfast. Just before 9 the irons were knocked off, and Kelly was conducted to the condemned cell. He walked jauntily from his former cell, and had to pass through the Governor’s garden, where he exclaimed, “ Oh. what a pretty garden.” He had not been shaved He then remained in the cell in prayer with the priests. Precisely at 10 o’clock the Governor of the goal and the sheriff went to the door, and a warder announced that the fatal moment had arrived. The priests—one bearing a crucifix and intoning prayers—preceded the prisoner, who exhibited some signs of faltering, but made great efforts to hold up. The gallows were situate opposite to the cell door, the drop being seven feet and a-half. Kelly on coming out, exclaimed, “ Oh, well, it’s come to this at last ” He gave one look at those present beneath, and then cast his eyes down and stepped on the fatal spot, where the noose was adjusted and the white cap pulled over his face. The bolt was drawn, and death ensued instantaneously, only a. few twitches being perceptible. There was no'struggling. The body was cut down at half-past 10. The face was found pale, but not distorted. The formal inquest was held at 12 o’clock, and the remains are to be buried on Friday. An immense mob congregated outside the gaol, consisting of about 6000 persons, but there was no disturbance.