BURNS ALLEGED CONFESSION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XX, Issue 6828, 5 October 1883, Page 6

BURNS ALLEGED CONFESSION.

It is alleged by Upjohn, the executioner of Barns, who was hanged in the Ararat Gaol on September 25, that the condemned man, just before being taken on to the scaffold, made a statement to the effect that he had murdered eight men—five in Victoria and' three in New South Wales. Upjohn stated that while strapping Burns' arms behind his back, he asked him if he had anythiug to say, whereupon the latter made the confession referred to. No other conversation took place. The sheriff and the clergyman who had been attending Burns were present, as well as one or two warders. Nothing led up to the alleged confession, except the direct question which Upjohn put. This is Upjonn's account. On the Other hand {the Argus says) we have received a telegram from our Ararat correspondent which throws grave doubt on the story. He says :—"The sensational statement regarding the alleged confession by Burnß to the hangman, Upjohn, has no foundation whatever. I made fresh inquiries at the gaol today (Wednesday). I find that Upjohn never saw Burns until after the sheriff and gaoler had entered the cell, and had Burns spoken at all to him they must have heard. - '