THE PUHIPUHI CRIME.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLVI, Issue XLVI, 22 June 1911, Page 4

THE PUHIPUHI CRIME.

LAST HOUR OF THE MURDERER. ■MORE ABOUT THE EXECUTION. (United Pbess Association.) AUOEUAND, Thursday. At the execution of Kaka, 'the Puhipuhi murderer, the condemned man wore white trousers and a white shirt open at the throat, displayinga remarkably line physiqucj and broad chest and shoulders. His "handsome boyish head was lield high, and also proudly. He -was not over tall, but splendidly proportioned, with marked boyish features. liaka -was an imposing figure, and never once did he hesitate or show signs of fear. As he emerged into the open yard his eye-s took in the whole scene of the gallows in one swift glance. Then, with unresitating tread, he crossed the stone flags and climbed the steps to the gallows—the steps being narrow and steep and wet by rain. When the hangman. a islightly built young man who did not wear a mask, proceeded to bind Ivaka's ankles, the condemned man brought his ' heels briskly together, "and straightened his body like a soldier on parade. As the executipner stepped forward to place the white cap over Kaka's.head and face, there was no sign of fear. The impression among the officials who witnessed the execution, was that there 'was no callousness, but sheer strength or mind to go unflinchingly through the ordeal. (As the hangman placed the noose over Kaka's head and lightly pulled it into position, there was just a femor; and a small prayer book in the murderer's left hand, marked with a picture of the Crucifixion, shook ever so little. The unhappy man could then 'be seen to pull himself together, and the.. body became erect and still.

A moment or two were occupied drawing' the bolt, during which, the condemned man's lips uttojed a word, which sounded like ''Steady. '' The lever was then pulled, the trap, door flew open, and all was over.