The Winton Murder.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XX, Issue 6331, 12 August 1895, Page 3

The Winton Murder.

THE LAST SCENE. (BY TELEGBAPH.) iNVEBCAEGUi, AugUßt 12. Minnie Dean was executed this morn ing. She slept 'from 11.30 till three this morning, took no breakfast and only a sip from a glass of spirits given her by the gaol surgeon. At three minutes to eight the Sheriff demanded the- body, and at two minutes past eight Minnie Dean was dead. " Don't let them keep me in agony, doctor," were her parting words to the surgeon. She marched from the cell with her arms pinioned behind and up the steps of the scaffold on to the trapdoor apparently the most self-possessed of the dismal procession. She stood hatless and erect, facing the west, a black board marking the grave of Walsh, the Waikawa murderer, directly in front of her, while the hangman adjusted the rope and placed the white cap on her. .Then her legs were pinioned, and for the first time the marvellous will power of the woman to a extent gave way. She swayed backward and forward, holding firmly the warder's hand. In reply to the question of the Sheriff " Do you wish to say anything before you leave this world 9" she said : "No, except that I am innocent." After her legs were pinioned, she said, " Oh God, let me not suffer."

The hangman then drew the lever and all was over, death being instantaneous. The drop allowed was 7ft 9in, and the scaffold used was one built for the execution of Captain Jarvey, of Dunedin, who poisoned his wife about a quarter of a century ago. To the Rev. Mr Lindsay she stated that as far as evidence was concerned the sentence was justified, but she protested her innocence as regards intention and forethought. The only persons present besides thegaol officials were the Sheriff, doctor, magistrate, and Press reporters. The body has been claimed by her husband and will be buried in the Winton cemetery. It is understood that Minnie Dean left a written statement which will be forwarded to the Government, placing a different aspect on the case from-that inferred from her trial.