1893: John Conder Hanged at Melbourne Gaol for the Murder of a Merchant
John Conder was hanged at Melbourne Gaol on 28 August 1893 for the murder of Kaiza Singh, a Hindu hawker, near Buchan in eastern Victoria. Several hundred people gathered outside the prison, and inside, around two dozen witnesses attended the execution.
Conder was led to the scaffold by the hangman and his assistant, both heavily bearded. A chaplain, recited prayers at the scaffold. When asked by the Sheriff if he wished to make a statement, Conder, who was hard of hearing, shook his head. The rope was placed around his neck and the cap drawn over his face.
Conder cried out “O God, have mercy on my soul” before the bolt was drawn.
