THE HULL MURDER

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19351, 11 December 1924, Page 9

THE HULL MURDER

TELEGRAM TO THE KING. NO INDICATION OF REPRIEVE. f Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, December 9. Yesterday morning a telegram was sent to His Majesty the King pleading for the exercise of Jus prerogative and the reprieve of Smith. It was signed by the Jbady Mayoress of Hull, the sheriff, and the president of the Trades Council. There is not the slightest indication, however, of a reprieve being granted. The Home Secretary was deeply moved during the interview with the deputation yesterday, and he sat with his head in his hands. He said that no one felt the responsibility more than ho did. Even the brother of the murdered woman telegraphed to Sir W. JoynsonHicks on behalf of his murdered sister; “1 pray you to grant a reprieve.” Late at night an organised crowd marched to the prison, and. sang hymns within the hearing of the condemned man. A large force of police prevented a disturbance.

The mother, when told that there would be no reprieve, said: “There is no justice. lam going to pray alone.” —A. and N.Z. Cable. EXECUTION CARRIED OUT. MOVING SCENES AT PRISON. LONDON, December 10. (Received Dec. 10, at 10.40 p.m.) The execution of Smith was carried out at Hull without incident. Contrary to expectations, the crowd outside the prison was most orderly. The hangman slept in the gaol overnight as a precaution. When the prison bell tolled the hour of execution the crowd sang; “Nearer My God to Thee.”

There were poignant scenes when Smith’s mother collapsed, but she recovered and remained for an hour amidst the crowd.—A. and N.Z. Cable.