CHRISTCHURCH.

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 1978, 7 May 1875, Page 2

CHRISTCHURCH.

.;•"■'■ * This day. The Execution of the

Lyttelton Murderer.

He Dies Impenitent.

The execution of John Mercer for the murder of Isabella Thompson took place at eight o'clock this morniiig within the precincts of Lyttelton Gaol. He slept very soundly last right, and took a good breakfast. The Bey. J. Fergusson, Presbyterian Minister, was with him 1 at a very early hour this morning, but he paid very little attention to religious matters, and appeared thoroughly, careless of his approaching fate. He was exhorted to make a confession, and just before leaving his cell for tho scaffold he wrote in a firm hand, on a paper, referring to the murder, " I am innocent of this crime." He: walked with a firm tread to the scaffold attended by the Bey J. Fergusson.' After the rope had been adjusted he v said, in a very firm voice, " Farewell, gentlemen ; may God have mercy on my soul; "and while the cap was being drawn down he was heard to say, "An innocent man ! " TJp to; the last moment of being visible hig features wore a kind of half smile, which, however, some said was natural to him. He died very easily, only one or two faint spasms being perceptible after the drop fell. After banging"2o minutes the body was taken down and removed to the dead house. The features of the corpse wore a calm but firm look, and were in no way distorted. The medical examination proved that the neck was not dislocated, and that he died of suffocation ; if he had been released two minutes after the drop he would have survived; Fourteen persons were present at the execution. The hangman was the same person who hunt; Oaldeno and Whoresides at Rangiora. Yesterday evening Mercer said to one of the gaolers:—" It will be deuced cold work hanging at eight o'clock in the morning. I hope I shall be allowed an hour's walk or a nip before it takes place."