Execution of Wilson.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XVI, Issue 4952, 20 April 1891, Page 1

Execution of Wilson.

John "Wilson, the murderer of his sweetheart, Estella Leah Marks, expiated his crime on the scaffold at the Melbourne gaol at 10 o'clock on Monday morning. Punctually to the hour fixed for the execution Mr Anderson, the sheriff, visited the condemned cell and claimed the body at the hands of the Governor of the gaol, Colonel F. W. Bull. As Wilson emerged from his cell he faltered a little, apparently 011 seeiug so many spectators, but after a very slight assistance from the hangman he braced himself up and walked to the scaffold. In reply to the interrogatory of the sheriff, " Have you anything to say, now is your opportunity ? " he replied in a very firm voice, "Yes, sir. I wish to say, gentlemen, 110 doubt I have killed the r/irl." lam very sorry for it I did not do it willingly or knowingly. God knows all. I place my trust in God now." The noose was then adjusted, and the condemned man continued, "Lord Jesus receive my spirit." The white cap having been pulled down over his face, the bolt was drawn, and with the words 11 1 trust ill Jesus ever —" 011 his lips, he was launched into eternity. In a moment all was over. There was scarcely a tremor of the rope, and the falling of a- screen prevented any of the spectators witnessing the muscular quivering. Wilson was a young man of 23 years, about 5 feet 7or 8 inches ;igh, and of fair build