EXECUTION.

New Zealand Herald and Auckland Gazette, Volume I, Issue 58, 9 March 1842, Page 2

EXECUTION.

Makatu, the scion and hope of a race of chieftains in these Islands, suffered the extreme penalty of the law, on Monday last, for a series of murders committed on Roberton's Island, as recoded in our report of the proceedings in the Supreme Court.

After his condemnation, an opinion was generally entertained, that he would be removed for execution to the scene of the murders. The Governor, with the advice of the Executive Council, deemed this course to be inexpedient, and at a very early hour this morning, the sound of carpenters and smiths, in the necessary labours lor the erection of a gallows, " gave dreadful note of

preparation." The prisoner, a fine young man, whose stature was upwards of six feet, was brought from the condemned cell soon after twelve o'clock, to the press-room. Here the precept was read to him, and interpreted by Mr. Moraunt. He j'waS dressed in a blue blanket, of native manufacture, and exhibited the peculiarly dignified demeanour and appearance for which the Native Chiefs are so peculiarly distinguished. He had been attended, at an early hour in the morning, by the Rev. Mr. Churton, who, at Maketu s own request, had administered to him the rites of baptism, under the name of William King, according to the forms of the Church of England. It must be satisfactory to the jury who were impanneled in this important case, to know, that the unfortunate, prisoner was penitent, that he prayed fervently and sincerely to God that his sins might be forgiven ; but he died in the hope of a glorious resurrection,and acknowledged the justice of his sentence. The Sheriff, on this momentous occasion, performed his onerous duties with the utmost firmness and propriety, Credit is also due to Mr. M'llwain, Mr. Kane, the chief constable, and his assistants. Soon after twelve o'clock, the bell of the gaol was tolled at minute time, A strong military guard had been drawn up in front of the gaol, where the scaffold was erected, A large square was left clear, on the four sides of which was assembled about a thousand spectators. The prisoner, on being cast off, died almost instantly. There were a few Maories present. Thus perished Makatu, a great chieftain of the Aborigines.