THE MAHIA MURDER.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 2117, 24 April 1889, Page 2

THE MAHIA MURDER.

(PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Gisboenb, April 23. When the half-caste Makaare was arrested for the Mahal murder, the boy Relnhana made a confession that he accompanied Makaore to Gollan's house on Thursday evening, aud remained at the gate, 300 yards from the house. Shortly after he heard a shot, then some one ory out as if In pain. Not long afterwards Makaore oame out, and the two prooeeded baok to Katanga- At the same time the boy observed the house on fire. Tbe house was one of the out stations of Mr Gf O. Ormond, some eight miles from Mabl « township, and three miles from the bouie station, . Toe house was a cottage of two rooms. Gollan not being at work on Friday morniag Mr Ormond sent for him. when tbe house was found burnt down, and traoes of foul play were discovered. Thea the remains were discovered, bui the bead was miaslog. Subsequently part of the charred skull was discovered. On Saturday morning tbe police arrived from Wairoa, and arrested Makaore. Blood was found on his clothes. Mr Large, J P., Acting Coroner, held an lnquent, wbiob was adjourned till Thursday, to enable Detective Grace to work up evidence. Tbe Maori wom*c, Mihi, was at GUborne In the morning, but she was sent to Mabla j she stated that Gollan bad always been good to her, and she was grieved at his death. Makaore ir- quentJy tried to get her to leave Gollan, nut she detested the half-oaste, he being a bad man. Makaore has borne a notorious oharaoter. Gollan was generally likfcd. The woman says one had told Gollan of Makaore's overtures, consequently there was great bitterness and jealousy between them. Mihl Is a pure Maori, of plain appearance, aud aged twenty.four.