MURDER TRIAL BEGINS

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28270, 7 May 1957, Page 10

MURDER TRIAL BEGINS

Niuean’s Death In Auckland

(New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND. May 6. Melami Viliamu, a 46-year-old Niue Islander, was charged before Mr Justice North in the Supreme Court today with the murder of another Niuean. Luitohi Japeth, at Devonport, Auckland, on January 11. He pleaded not guilty. Dr. A. M, Finlay, with him Mr G. T. O’Sullivan, is appearing for the defence. In his opening address, the Crown Prosecutor (Mr G. S. R. Meredith) said that Viliamu hit Japeth over the head with a piece of wood. Japeth died from the effects of the blow. He would bring evidence to show that it was a brutal case of murder, he said. Mr Meredith said that on the evening of January 11, Viliamu had three glasses of beer at Japeth’s house, when Japeth accused him of causing trouble in the house. Japeth hit Viliamu four times and challenged him to fight. Viliamu left the house and walked to a nearby bus stop.

He saw his wife and daughter approaching, with Japeth following. Japeth said to Mrs Viliamu. “Are you following that bad man?” This made Viliamu angry, and he picked up a piece of wood and hit Japeth from behind, apparently more than once. Another blow missed, and broke a seat at the bus stop. * Tuku Tualima, 9 22-year-old Niue Islander, who was with Japeth and Viliamu shortly before Japeth’s death, said Japeth had asked Viliamu to fight with him. The witness denied seeing Japeth strike the accused. The hearing will continue* tomorrow.