THE MAORI MURDER

Manawatu Times, Volume V, Issue 133, 13 April 1881, Page 3

THE MAORI MURDER

BLENHEIM Last Night. The inquest on the body of Ropoama Feni was commenced at Picton yesterday, before J. Allen, Cvroner. The principal evidence taken wts that of Nikana Pakira, who deposed to have known deceased and, accused. Was at Kopeama's house on Saturday night. Rawiri and Ropoama were haviag words. Don t know what they were wrangling about. Saw Raiori strike at Ropoama. They then fought, and witness parted them. They had no weapon of any kind m their bands. Witness went home at 1 o'clock. Did not ace amy More quarrelling that night. Ropoama was all right when witBess went home. After witness had been home some time went outside und heaard a noise. Walked down and saw Kopoama lying on bin back. Witness picked him lip m bis arms. Ropoama was bleeding from his mouth. He did not take any notice of witness wben picked up, His wife ran at witness. She tried] to. strike her husband, but witness poshed bc-r away. Rawiri was close along*id<?. Witness took Ropoama to his (witnes* 1 ) bouse. He never spoke after. When witness found Ropoaraa was eg bad the next day he caused him to be washed and at S o'clock sent for the doctor. Mary Ropoama saw her husband after he was brought to her house. She dressed him. | John Reenan, a half-caste lad deponed that he was at Ropoama' s house on Saturday night. Rawiri and Ropoama were I fighting outside. Wben witness saw them Rawiri struck Rapoama and knocked him down. He struck him again m his side when be was gettiug up, and when Ropoama was going to his bouse Rawiri hit him m the back. Gould not see whether Ropoama was hurt. Witness went away for a few minutes anid came back and saw Ropoama coming up to his wife. Ra wjri gpt up and struck him,. Thi* was 'vi the orchard.! When Rawiri struck Kopoama he fell with his head againsV a stump. He did hot get up agaiD.'- Witness was dose to theni* Mih^ etfflc and lift« 4 lopoanjVi h^ad

up on his lap. Witness did not «cc Ropoama attempt to strike a blow. Do not know the cause of the quarrel. On Saturday deceased and prisoner appeared to be on friendly terms, but had been drinking. The inquest was resumed to-day, Dr. Scott's evidence proved that the cause of death was compression of the brain, caused by a blow on the right temple. . ■ A , A half caste lad named Gract stated that during the quarrel, Ropoama's wife threatened to kill the deceased. He also noticed that the quarrel with Rawin arose over a pipt. It is thought probable that the inquest will extend over tomorrow. .