KAKA’S CASE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXIX, Issue 103, 21 June 1911, Page 5

KAKA’S CASE.

o THE VICTIM’S AGE. (Per Press Association.) Timarn, Juno 20. It appears that it is a mistake to suppose that the man killed by the Maori youth Knka was an old man. His parents reside at ’1 imam, and say no was only 48 years- of ago. His mother says her son was of a quiet hsposition. MURDERED MAN’S PARENTS. , Timarn, Juno 20. This morning a 'Timarn “Post” roncsentative waited upon Mr. and Mrs. John Freeman, old-age pensiondis, aged 84 and 72 years respectively, living at Timarn, parents of John Freeman, murdered in the Pnhipiihi bush by the Maori youth Tahi Kaka. Ihe pressman cxpicsscd the sympathy of the Now Zealand press in their sad bereavement, and sought a message of intercession from the Freemasons to Cabinet on behalf of the Maori. Tho parents were in tears, and the old man finally replied: “John was a Tood and honest lad. He died cruelly. Jabinet has twice decided that there ire no points upon which mercy can 10 shown. I am not above Cabinet. I cannot interfere.” DEATH SENTENCE CARRIED OUT Auckland, June 21. Talii Kaka, was banged in the Mount Eden Gaol this morning, death jeing instantaneous. Just before 8 o’clock the hangman entered the condemned cell, (and pinioned Kaka’s ums behind; A mournful procession commenced, the Rev. Hawkins reading the first three sentences of the burial service in Maori as they' wendod their way to the scaffold. Kaka, dressed in prison garb* walked firmly between two wardens, ascended the thirteen stops to the scaffold, and took his stand on the drop without assistance or tho slightest tremor. The llcv. - Hawkins recited the Lord's Prayer, which Kaka, in a steady voice icpeatcd. Asked by the Sheriff if ho had anything to say, ho replied firmly: “I hope I am the last man to bo hanged, anyhow.” As the hangman pinioned his feet, Kaka said; “You uc pretty smart at your work.” Just leforo tho lever was pulled he said; ‘Hoorah!” Tho bolts were withdrawn add Kaka had paid the full penalty of his crime. The lime from his emerging from the gate fill tho final scene vas exactly four minutes fifteen and two-fifths seconds. The whole proceedings were without hitch. Those present were the gaol officials, sheriff, gaol surgeon, the Revs. Hawkins, Ladd, and McPherson; As Kaka came to the scaffold his boyishness was painfully apparent. His short-crop-ped hair, smooth face, and altogether handsome appearance was stamped on, one’s mind. The condemned man, From the time ho was sentenced, was resigned to his fate. He slept well, putting on just a stone in weight. At the time of his execution bo weighed KiOlbs. For the past few days bo ihowed signs of restlessness, and :- .pent most of bis time writing. He was visited at 11. o’clock last night hy the Rev. Hawkins, who remained with him for some time. Kaka was persuaded to go to bed at ten minutes to one. He slept fairly sound till just before 6 o’clock. Ho did not isk for any breakfast, and as the warder in charge left the cell he said ‘Good-bye.” 'To another warder be said: “1 will meet you in tho next world.” Just before reaching the scaffold Kaka shook hands behind his back with one of the warders in attendance, and with a coloured picture if the crucifixion in In’s hand, met his late. The resigned manner in which bo took his sentence is attributed by the Rev. Hawkins to Ids belief that lie had made peace with his Master, and would bo forgiven in the next v.orld. Tho Revs. Hawkins and Bud-1 enter emphatic protest about the manner in which the scaffold was erected., within sight and hearing of tho condemned cell. The customary inquest was held, and tho usual verdict rote i ned