Death Sentence for George Rameka

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6622, 7 August 1931, Page 7

Death Sentence for George Rameka

The Only Possible Verdict, Says Mr Justice Smith

Shrill Cries of Feminine Sympathy

Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, Last Night. The trial of Pahara Rameka Kere, alias George Rameka, for the murder of Mrs. Gwendoline Alice Johnson at Randolph street, Newton, on June 24, was concluded late this afternoon when the jury brought in a verdict of guilty and sentence of death was pronounced by Mr. Justice Smith. The tense silence of the Court as the foreman announced the verdict was broken by shrill cries of sympathy from women in the gallery, but the outburst was instantly suppressed. The prisoner heard the dread sentence without apparent emotion. The verdict was: “Guilty of murder with a strong recommendation to mercy.” Asked if he had anything to say, Rameka made no response. His Honour, adjusting the black cap, then addressed prisoner: “You have had the benefit of an exhaustive and careful and even eloquent defence, but the jury's verdict of guilty of murder is the only verdict which they could in my judgment properly find. Clearly you did not establish that you were insane at the time you committed the offence and equally clearly in my judgment you were not entitled to any reduction of the crime from murder to manslaughter on the ground of provocation. I have to tell you that the jury’s recommendation will be forwarded to the proper quarter.” The judge then passed the sentence of death. Prisoner having been removed liis Honour addressed a few words to the jury: “Your verdict of guilty of murder was, I am satisfied, the only verdict which you could possibly find.”