THE EXECUTION OF MINNIE DEAN.

Timaru Herald, Volume LVIII, Issue 1838, 13 August 1895, Page 3

THE EXECUTION OF MINNIE DEAN.

(By Telegraph.)

IN VERCARGILL, August 12

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 pf spirits given her by the gaol surgeon. At three minutes to eight the sheriff demanded the body, arid at two minutes past eight Minnie Dean was dead. "Don't let them keep me m agony, doctor," were her parting words to the surgeon. She marched from the cells, her arms pinioned behind her, and up the steps- of the scaffold on to the trap door, apparently the most self-possessed of the dismal procession. Sue stood hatless 1 and erect, facing west, a black board marking the grave of Walsh (the Waikawa murderer) directly m front of her.

The hangman adjusted the rope and placed the white cap on her. Then her fegs were pinioned, and for the first time the marvellous will power of the woman to a certain extent gave way. She swayed backwards and forwards, holding firmly to the warder's hand.

ln'reply to the question of the Sheriff, "Do you wish to say anything before you 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 hangman then drew the lever and all was over, death being instantaneous. The drop allowed was 7 feet 9 inches, and the scaffold used was the one built for the execution of Captain Jarvey, of Dunedin, who poisoned nis wife about a quarter of century ago. To the Rev. Mr Lindsay, she stated that as far as the evidence was concerned the sentence was justified) but she protested her innocence as regards intention and forethought. The only persons present besides the gaol officials were the sheriff, doctor, magistrate, and press reporters. The body has been claimed by her husband, and will be buried m the Winton cemetery. During the execution a boy fell from the roof of a building to the ground, a distance of 30 feet and fractured his skull.

It is understood that Minnie Dean left a written statement which will be forwarded to the Government, placing a different aspect on the case from that inferred from her trial.