WELLINGTON NEWS NOTES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10422, 21 April 1897, Page 5

WELLINGTON NEWS NOTES.

[BY TKLKORAPtf.—OWN OORRKSPUNDENT.I Wellington, Tuesday. THE CONDEMNED CONVICT. Etienne Broohkh (or ljoeher) under senfconco of duaoli for the murder of Mr. and Mrs. Jones will, if nob reprieved, be executed to-morrow morning in the Terrace Gaol. No public sympathy has been expressed for him, and the possibility of a pardon ia very remote. A few persons who object to "capital punishment)," as it is said, " upon principle," have endoavoured to Ret tho nentonce commuted, I understand that the learned judge who presided at the trial has forwarded to the executive the usual report) in such casos, bub thai) he makes "no recommendation." Bosher has seen his solicitor twice since hie sentence, but refused to see him for the third fcimo. The Chief Justice (as Acting Governor) has given the case great attention. Tho prisoner has been attended daily by Father Goutenoire, a French prieab, and the young woman to whom lie was bigamoualy married has visited him once at his earnest solicitation. When first received by the gaoler Boaber described himself ue a member of the Anglican Church, but he now declares that he was born and bred a Roman Catholic. The ereotion of the gallows proceeds iteadily, and tho executioner ha; been found among the inmates of the gaol. All parts of the gaol yard from which a view of the execution can be obtained are screened off by boarding, There have been rumours that Bosher had confessed to hit spiritual advisor the crime for which he ie to suffer, The idea ia that the gaoler (Mr. Garvey) ie in possession of such confession. Mr. Oarrey hat been interviewed upon the matter, but declines to make any statement.

THE HAWKE'S BAY FLOODS. The prompt sympathy And readiness of the Hon. Minister of Lends, in proffering the fullest assistance in his power to the sufferer* by the recent floods have produced the boat impression here. The Mayor (Mr. 11. D, Bell) has convened a meeting of citizens for Friday no>:b at four o'olock. BISLEY RIFLE TEAM. Major Collins is making arrangements for the passage by the Buahine of the members of the team, but there is a good deal of irritation in the populous centres in respect of the reversal of the original arrangements. The Nelson men say they have been deceived. Sergeant) Hazard and Gunner Taylor of Auckland, Bnllinger, Williams, Howe, and Kirk, of Wellington, will probably be selected. Major Somerville will bo here in a few days t for the purpose of taking chirge. It is proposed to the Now Zealand Shipping Company that the team shall be taken to London upon the earns terms ae the contingent.