THE SUICIDE OF A NATIVE AT MATATA.

Auckland Star, Volume VI, Issue 1663, 17 June 1875, Page 2

THE SUICIDE OF A NATIVE AT MATATA.

The frequency of suicide among the Maoris is a characteristic which would hardly be looked for in a people living such a free and easy life, and the causes which influence natives in taking such a step are often equally sin' gular. Our telegrams recently informedus.tha a native had committed suicide near Matata by blowing his brains out, and as illustrating the subject of native suicides, we clip the following particulars of the occurrence from the Bay of Plenty Times :—" The particulars of the melancholy suicide of the young chief Memana are but few, but still they are im- • portant. It would seem that he has for some time back complained bitterly to his uncle (Pokiha), of tneunkind remarks of bia wife and relations (Arama Karaka's family), complaining that he was a person of inferior birth, and not possessed of landed estates, &c, &c. The last time that he was here • was about ten days ago, during Rewi Maniapoto's visit. Up "to the present there appears to be no other reason than this for the rasa determined deed which he has committed, except that he was suffering from a great depression of spirits. lc seems thaton the day he committed the rash act that he we're into Poia's whare, at Matita,"got his (Poiaa) gun, carefully wrapped it in a mat, went directly to his own house; loaded the gun» tied a handkerchief about his head, so that a part of it should fall.over his face; alter this he locked the door, sat down upon hl* bed and commenced atangi (cry)/ A wo, y v passing outside, hearing the tangi, we 6 :/ to the door and enquired what w4 /^^./ matter, which he replied by askingj*^ I that you, bo and so?" calling her .fcTg^ name. He then bid her farewell, ancL 9 the fatal shot. The natives heariiP bn t report, instantly broke open1 the do&t' alas !it was too late, all was over." Iff