THE WINTON MURDERS.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXII, Issue 7411, 13 August 1895, Page 2

THE WINTON MURDERS.

THE EXECUTION OF MRS DEAN. Invercakgill, last night. Minnie Dean was executed this morning. She slept from 11.30 till 3 this morning. She took no breakfast, and only a sip from a glass of spirits, given her by the gaol surgeon. j At three minutes to eight the sheriff demanded the body, and two minutes past eight Minnie Dean said "Don't let them keep me in agony, doctor." These were her parting words to the surgeon. She marched from the cell with her arms pinioned behind, and up the steps of tfie scaffold on to the trap door, apparently the most self-possessed of the dismal procession.. She stood hatlesa and erect, facing west. A black board, marking the grave of Walsh, the Waikawa murderer, was directly in front of her. -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 certain extent gave way. She swayed back and forward, holding firmly the warder's hand. In reply to the question of the sheriff, <c Do you wish to say anything before yon leave this world,?" she said "No; except that I am innocent." After her legs were pinioned, she said " Oh God ! let me not suffer." The hanguian. drew the lever, r ahdall' was over, death- being instantaneous. The drop allowed- was 7ft 9in, and the used was the one built for the ieisfee'uiron. of ,Captain^Jarv.ey;\^pf JDunedin, who poisoned hia wife about a quarter of a< century ago. ' . j To the Rev. Lindsay she stated that as far as the evidence was concerned her sentence was justified, but she protested her innocence as regards intention and forethought. The only persons present besides the gaol officers were the sheriff, magistrate, and press reporter. The body has been claimed by the busband, and will be buried in the Wintou cemetery. It is understood that Minnie Dean left a written statement which will.be forwarded i to the Government, placing a different aspect* on the case fton^bhat inferred from the trial.' • During the execution a boy fell from the roof of a.<b/uildiug to' the ground, a distance of fifty' fee' t, fracturing his skull. :