“IT IS JUST”

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 306, 28 December 1939, Page 9

“IT IS JUST”

TRAGIC GOOD-BYE MURDERER’S ORATION IN SHADOW OF DEATH APIA, Dec. 9. A remarkable speech by a man about to be executed was delivered at Pago Pago, the American naval station in Eastern Samoa, on November 24, states the Auckland Star’s Apia correspondent. The prisoner was Imoa, a Samoan from the island of Manua, who killed his brother-in-law, Serna, on the main beach road at Pago Pago, with a la r ge cane knife, almost severing his head. The sentence of death was confirmed by the United States Government at Washington. On the day appointed for the execution a large crowd of Samoans and Europeans gathered round the Customs shed, within which the execution was to take place. Only a limited number of people were admitted, amongst them being 30 Samoan chiefs, the Attorney-General and Judge, others connected with the trial, three doctors, a pastor and several other clergymen. The crowd outside included many hundreds of Samoans. Asked by the Attorney-General if he had anything to say before he paid the extreme penalty Imoa, who appeared cool and resigned, answered: “Yes, I have.” He then made the following remarkable speech in Samoan: “Penalty Is Just.’’ “I wish to say a few short words of thanks to my beloved people—kings and cniefs and orators. Thanks to God heaven that the day has now arrived on which 1 am to pay my penalty. This penalty, 1 am satisfied in my oah mind, is quite just, and, I believe, is aic-o just before God Almighty. “I thank tie Government of the United States and the representative of tht Pifsident, his Honour the Governor, and his secretary, also the captain of t) e navy yard. Thanks to the chief medical officer and all those working for the good and the welfare of my beloved people. I further thank the Attorney-General and the Chief Judge and all associated with him for their truthful upholding of the law. 1 also thank the chaplain of the Government and all your clergymen here for your true affection for me. “Please convey my thanks to the solicitor who has defended me, Mr. Kneubuhl, for his sincere endeavour to get me free. He has certainly done all he could. I feel that he did his utmost during my trial. However, it was not according to the. wish of God. My punishment is right according to the law, for what I have done. “Gives Me Courage.” “I greatly desired to speak to all my beloved people, but you will suffice,

kings and chiefs and orators who are here assembled, because you really love me. I extend my sincere thanks to you, fathers of our people. This gives me great courage. “Please give my love to my children and to my beloved brothers and sisters and my whole family, and tell your sons never to follow the road I have taken. “I wish to make it known to you that I am satisfied that my verdict was correct. I believe in the truth of the word of God: ‘Following up your deed* is thy destiny.’ My soul is now before the Lord and my Saviour, Jesus Christ. “Farewell—may you all be blessed. (_ uod-bye.” After Imn-.’s last words the aged Pastor Enesi said a last prayer on behalf of the condemned man. The execution then took place.