THE EXECUTION OF AH LEE.

Manawatu Times, Volume IV, Issue 89, 13 November 1880, Page 3

THE EXECUTION OF AH LEE.

The executioner was a recent arrival irom Southland, and at one time acted us assistant to CiJeraft. He wore a white mask which completely covered, his face and a blue jacket. The couviot being ajslim-buiJt man, an extra drop was ulbwed (cUt), some stones having been removed i'voui the gaol yanl to permit of this. The execution was cawied. out under tho improved plan as lately introduced by Manvood at Home. The knot was abandoned, ' a copper eyelet hole beiug introduced at the end of the rope as a loop j and this was supported by a leather washer affixed, just below the lei't ear. After a short prayer had been offered up by the gaol chaplain, he said, to Ah Lee, "Do you wish to say anything ? Did you kill Mrs Young ?" To this the condemned man replied m a firm voice, " No. Me no kill Missee Y»uns." So ji'ar he been perfectly cool m his demeanor; but so soon as his le<*s were pinioned and the white cap adjusted he was seen to tremble violently. Tho bolt was then removed, and death ensued instantaneously. A subsequent examination hy two of the medical gentlemen m attendance showed that tbe neck was brrken. The formal inquest was held at lI.SO .11., before ;Mr Coroner Hocken. A cast of the deceased was subsequently taken by Mr. Coventry, tinsmith. This makes the third execution which has taken place within the Dunedin gaol.