HUMOUR ON THE SCAFFOLD.
Callousness and even grim humour of condemned criminals is well exemplified by tho following stories On walking to the scaffold in solemn procession a criminal once called to the governor of the prison, Just oblige me, guv'nor," he said, "by telling me tho day of the week." "Monday, answered the surprised governor. " Monday," exclaimed tho prisoner in disgusted tones; "well, this 'ore's a fine way of beginning a week, ain't it?" And he marched : on with disgust imprinted on every lino.of his face. On another occasion an officious hangman whispered as lie placed the white cap on his victim's head, "If there's anything you'd like to 'arst mo X II bo pleased to answer, yer know." Thovictim craned his neck forward, and said in an equally low, but very much more anxious voice, " You might tell me —is this planking safe?"
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19120420.2.133.33
Bibliographic details
New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 14972, 20 April 1912, Page 2 (Supplement)
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145HUMOUR ON THE SCAFFOLD. New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 14972, 20 April 1912, Page 2 (Supplement)
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