THE TE AWAITI MURDER.

Otago Witness, Issue 2660, 8 March 1905, Page 53

THE TE AWAITI MURDER.

THE SENTENCE OF DEATH CARRIED

WELLINGTON, February 28.

Ellis, the murderer of Collinson, was executed at Terrace Gaol this morning at 8 o'clock. Death was instantaneous.

The condemned man spent yesterday in the same cheerful spirits as he had spent the time since being sentenced. He occupied himself during the evening by reading. During the day he told his gaoler that ho hoped no one would ask him any questions. He went to sleep at 11 o'clock last

night, and slept very soundly, having to be shaken at 7 o'clock this morning to wake him. He was visited by th© gaoler, the surgeon, and the Rev. Davys, but he had nothing to say. He asked for some brandy, which .was ---given him. On the way to the scaffold hs did not seem at all concerned, but walked steadily and briskly to the platform, where he took his position quite composed, though a trifle pale. Just before the bolt was drawn he was asked if he had anything to say, a,nd replied : " Nothing at all ; only that I'm innocent. That is all I have to say." The bolt was drawn, death being instantaneous. Besides the officials, three pressmen and two others were the only persons present. The scaffold and rope were the same as were used for the execution of M'Lean, Bosher, and Philpott. Ellis being- a small man' an Bft drop had to be allowed.