BIDDLE PAYS THE PENALTY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume L, Issue 15483, 15 December 1913, Page 8

BIDDLE PAYS THE PENALTY.

EXECUTION AT LYTTELTON. HANGMAN A VOLUNTEER. [BY TELEGRAPH.— PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Lyttewon, Sunday. The man Diddle, found guilty of murdering Mrs. Lilley at Mayfield early in the month of October, was hanged at eight o'clock at Lyttelton Gaol yesterday. Tho condemned man slept until 6.30 a.m., when he was wakened by the Rev. F. Rule, who stated later that Biddle appeared to have found spiritual consolation. At eight o'clock, Biddle, who was still weak, was supported to the scaffold by two warders in the presence of the usual authorised persons, including press representatives. A white caj , was drawn over the (loomed man's head, and as the noose was being adjusted he made a sign that ho wished to speak. The Rev. F. Rule stopped his recital of the burial service, and in a strained voice asked, " Have you anything to say, Biddle?" Biddle partially lifted his head. His face was drawn, and his eyes staring, but in a clear voice said, "Yes, I thank the Lord Jesus Christ as my Saviour." Ho paused an instant, and the minister said, "Is there nothing more, Biddle?" The reply came faintly, "No." The hangman then did his work quickly, and death was instantaneous. Mr. il. W. Bishop, S.M., held the usual formal inquest. The hangman was not the man who hanged Tahi Ka'ka at Auckland. He told the press representatives that he had volunteered for the task, not for pecuniary gain, as he was prepared to forego any fee, but from a sense of public duty. He was not sure when anyone's wife might be attacked like Mrs. Lilley was, and considered the community snould be protected.