EXECUTION OF NED KELLY.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume VII, Issue 1177, 20 November 1880, Page 2

EXECUTION OF NED KELLY.

Kelly was hanged' on the morning of the 11th inst., in Melbourne gaol. Up to a short period before the execution he entertained sanguine hopes a reprieve, and made frequent written appeals for clemency. Yesterday the Governor of the gaol informed him there was no hope and told him he must prepare for the worst. Kelly made a final appeal that his body should be given up to his relatives for burial, but this was refused as it was against the prison regulations. His three sisters prid him a -farewell visit the mght. previous, and an effecting scene ensued. Kelly ratired to bed at half-past 1 o'clock in the morning. He was restless for one hour-; arid then slept well until 5 o'clock, when he arose and prayed for 20 minutes. He then layed down again. He was visited shortly afterwards by the Reva. I>eans, Dohohy, and O'Hea, who ministered spiritual consolations and remained with him until the last. They would not allow him to breakfast. Just before 9 o'clock the irons were knocked off, and Kelly was conducted to the condemned cell. He walked jauntily from the former cell and had to pass through the Governor's garden, where he exclaimed, "Oh! what a pretty garden." He had not been shaved He then remained in the .cell in prayer with the priests. Precisely at 10 the Governor of the gaol and the sheriff went to the door, and a warder announced that the fatal moment had arrived. The priests, one bearing a tall crucifix, intoning prayers; preceded the paisoner, who exhibited some signs of faltering buf made geeat efforts to hold up. The. gallows was situated opposite to the ceirdoori the drop being Bdven feet and a half. Kelly on coming out exclaimed, "Ah, well, it's come to this at last." He gave one look at those present beneath, then cast his eyes down, and stepped on to the fatal spot where the noose was adjusted and the white cap was pulled over his face. The bolt was drawn and death was instantaneous, only a few twitchings were perceptible and; no:strjuggling. The body was cut •dotfn -at 10.30.? The face., was found pale but not distorted. A formal inquest was held at 12 o'clock. The remains are tobe buried on Friday. An immense mob congregated outside. There were about 6000 persona, but no disturbance.