No Reprieve for Killer Of New Guinea Natives

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 72, 26 March 1936, Page 7

No Reprieve for Killer Of New Guinea Natives

GOVERNMENT’S ATTITUDE United Press Association— By Electric Telegraph,— Copyrigli t. CANBERRA, Mar. 25. The Federal Ministry has decided to take no action to prevent the execution in New Guinea of Ludwig Schmidt. Cubinct’s reasons were later epitomised in the House of Representatives by Mr. W. M. Hughes, who said: "There is no other sentence but the death sentence that can satisfy the natives of New Guinea that they cah get a faildeal. ” The Opposition members made vain appeals for the granting of a reprieve. The Penalty Paid Received Wednesday, 10.20 p.m. RABAUL, March 25. Ludwig Schmidt, sentenced to death for the murder of three natives in 1934, wa3 hanged at 5.30 this morning. He walked bravely to the gallows. Death was instantaneous. A Press Association message received on March 21st stated that the Prime Minister, Mr. J. A. Lyons, announced that Ludwig Schmidt would be hanged on March 2otli. A message received from Rabaul on March 6th stated that Ludwig Schmidt was sentenced to death for the wilful murder of two natives on September 14th, 1934, Crown evidence showed that Schmidt ordered two servants to lire on the natives, who were killed instantly. When sentenced Schmidt dramatically shouted: "It is not true.’’ Schmidt was twice in February sentenced to death for the murder of natives.