McLean Executed.

Woodville Examiner, Volume XIX, Issue 3302, 2 September 1901, Page 4

McLean Executed.

Christohuboh, Aug. 81. Alexander or Stewart McLean, sentenced to death for the murders of the Martins, was executed rit Lyttelton Gaol this morning in the presence of the sheriff, governor of the gaol, two justices of the peace, a medical man, Mr Smail, lay Evangelist, who spent the night with the condemned man, Adjutant Fianaghan, Salvation Army, two wtrdera and a constable. No reporters were admitted. At five minutes past eight the execution took place, McLean being calm and cool, and showing no signs of fear. On the scaffold he said, " Lord have mercy on ma—l am all right. lam ready." Death was instantaneous. From all that can be ascertained the execution was oarried out without the slightest hitch, and the body, which was viewed by the representatives of the press, showed no signs that there had been any bungle. The governor of the gaol says the condemned man slept well the previous night. Mr Smail prayed with him and had breakfast with him. The murderer expressed penitence, sang hymns and read the Bible prior to being led to the gallows. He sent a letter to the governor of the gaol thanking him and the warders for their kindness during the nine weeks he was under their care. An inquest, in accordance with the Act, was held at 9.30, when, after hearing the evidence of the sheriff and doctor, the jury returned a verdict that Alexander McLean, having been sentenced to death, the said sentence had been duly carried into effect.