THE PICTON MURDER
Inquest on the Deceased-
(By Telegraph.) Blenheim, To-day. The inquest on the body of Ropoma Peni Peni, commenced at Piet on yesterday, before Mr J. Allen, Coroner. The principal evidence taken was that of Nihana Pakera, who deponed that he knew deceased and accused. Was at Ropoma’s house on Saturday night. Rawiri and Ropoma were haying words. Did not know what they were wrangling about. Saw Rawiri strike at Ropoma. They then fought, and witness parted them. They had no weapon of any kind in theit'' hands. \Vitness went home at ten o’clock', and did not see any more quarrelling that night. Ropoma was all right when witness went home. After witness had been home some time, he wont outside and .heard a noise. Walked downy and saw Ripoma lying on his back. Witness picked him up in his arms. Deceased was bleeding from his mouth. He did not take any notice of witness when he pickedhim up. His wife ranatwitness._ She tried to strike her husband, but witness pushed her away. Rawiri was doge alongside. Witness took Ropoma to his house. He never spoke after. At two o’clock he was so bad that a doctor was sent for. Mary Ropoma saw her husband after he was brought to witness’ house. She dressed him.
John Reenan, a half-caste lad, deponed —Was at Ropoma’s house on Saturday night, Rawiri and Ropoma were fighting outside. When witness saw them, Rawiri struck Ropoma and knocked him down.; He struck him again, in his- side when ho was getting up, and ■ when Ropoma was going to his house, Rapiri hit him on the back. Could not see whether. Ropoma was hurt. Witness; went away for a few minutes and came back, when he saw Ropoma coming up to his wife. Rawiri got up and struck him. This was in the orchard. When Rawiri struck he fell with his head against a stump. He did not get up again.: Witness >. was close to them. Nehana came and lifted Ropoma’s head upon his lap. Did not see Ropoma attempt to strike’ a, blow. Do not know the cause of . the quarrel. On Saturday, the deceased and prisoner appeared,to. be on friendly terms, but they had befn drinking. At this stage the inquest was adjourned till to-day. '
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Ashburton Guardian, Volume 2, Issue 317, 12 April 1881, Page 2
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383THE PICTON MURDER Ashburton Guardian, Volume 2, Issue 317, 12 April 1881, Page 2
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