THE PUHIPUHI MURDER.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3231, 30 May 1911, Page 5

THE PUHIPUHI MURDER.

GUMDICGER BATTERED TO DEATH. ACCUSED NATIVE AT 1 SUPREMECOURT. [PER PRESS ASSOCIATIONS AUCKLAND, May 29. The trial was begun at the Supreme Court to-day of the young Maori named Tahi Kaka, who is charged with-the murder of John Freeman, an aged gumdigger at Puliipuhi, in the Whangarei district on or about April sth. The Crown Prosecutor, Mi - Tole, traversed the details that have already received publicity. 'Freeman, lie said, went out to his work 1 , with 'his kit of tools on the morning of April sth. and Avas followed by a dog belonging to the whare. Tlie clog returned in four days, but Freeman Avas never seen alive again. He bad been missing some Aveeks Avken suspicion fell on Talii Kaka, Avko Avas making statements and’ spending money freely, though previously he Avas short of cash. Later on Kaka admitted that lie had folloAA-ed Freeman upon the morning of April sth, and finding out that lie had money in his pocket, demanded some. A scuffle ensued, and the accused hit the old gumdigger over the head with a stick and caused his death. The taking of evidence had not'concluded Avhen the Court adjourned till to-morrow.