EXTREME PENALTY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22609, 28 June 1935, Page 10

EXTREME PENALTY

ARGYLL MURDERER HANGED LITTLE EMOTION BETRAYED (Per United Press Association) WELLINGTON, June 27. Sentenced to death for the murder of Evelyn Mary Madden at Argyll East, Hawke's Bay, on February 6, Charles William Price, teamster, aged 44, paid the extreme penalty of the law in Wellington Prison to-day. Price was hanged at 8 a.m., death being instantaneous. He walked firmly from the cells to the scaffold, and on being asked by the sheriff (Mr W. W. Samson) if he had anything to say before the sentence was carried into effect, he. almost shouted " No." Shortly after 7.50 a.m., the sheriff, in accordance with the law, claimed the body of Price, who was then pinioned by the prison warders, and at 4 minutes to 8 he was taken from his cell and led to the scaffold. The procession to the scaffold, which was erected in the prison yard, a few feet from the condemned cell, comprised the Rev. Father M. Uhlenberg, the sheriff (Mr Samson), the deputy-sheriff (Mr E. G. Rhodes), the superintendent of the prison (Mr J Down), the prison medical officer, the prisoner and warders, press representatives, and a few others. Price needed no assistance, his emotion being betrayed only by a slight trembling just before the end. His last words, addressed to the priest, were, "Goodbye, father." The body was subsequently examined by the prison medical officer, and the coroner (Mr E. Gilbertson). The inquest was held at the prison, and the coroner returned a verdict that prisoner had been executed in accordance with the law, death being caused by complete fracture of the vertebral column. The body was not claimed by relatives, and it will be buried this afternoon by the State. In accordance with custom, the Union Jack was flown on one of the prison flag poles early this morning, and immediately the execution took place the black flag was displayed from the adjoining flag pole. An hour after the execution the black flag was taken down, but the Union Jack continued to fly, signifying the supremacy of the King. Price gave no trouble during his period of confinement at Wellington Prison, and made few requests. He did practically no reading, and spent his time walking and smoking. He was a light sleeper, and towards the end showed signs of 9train. He did not sleep well last night. He was called at 6.15 this morning, and Father Uhlenberg administered the last sacrament. He ate a good breakfast, and expressed appreciation of the consideration shown him by the prison officials.