LIFE IN RAROTONGA.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1169, 3 July 1911, Page 6

LIFE IN RAROTONGA.

ASTONISHING STORY.

THE MURDER CHARGE

BACCHANALIAN DAY.

AND HOW THE SHOOTING

HAPPENED.

<i;y Telograph-Specia! Kcnortcr.l

Auckland, July 1. Some interesting, if not inspiring, sidelights were thrown on life in tho Islands during.the hearing at Earotonga of the charge of murder preferred against a planter named Wm. John Wigmore. The charge, which was heard before the Chief Justice, Sir Robert Stout, and a jury of six, in tho High Court of the Cook Islands,, commenced on Friday June 16, and was not completed until Monday, Juuo 19. Wigmore was charged with having, on Sunday, March 12, 1911, murdered a Native named More at Papua, Rarotonga. Mr. 11. H. Ostler, of tho Crown Law Office, appeared for tho Crown, and Mr. M'Veagh, of Auckland, for the accused.

In opening the case for the Crown Mr. I Ostler urged the jury, for the fair fame of British justice, notl to allow the fact that the deceased was a Maori to make any difference to them, liero • "Bnuaii justice" was no by-word, and it rested with the jury to keep its honour bright and untarnished. The story which the witnesses for the Crown would detail was that, on Sunday, March 12, Wigmorc's i labourers had brewed a lot of banana beer (illegally, by tho way) and they had invited their Native friends to come and drink the beer. Practically the whole of tho white witnesses had appeared at the inquiry held under the Medical Officers' Inquiry Act. There they told a totally'different and irreconcilable story with thai that would bo told by the Native witnesses. It was for the jury to say, after hearing both sides, which side was telling the- truth. THE MEDICAL EVIDENCE. Dr. A. Story, assistant-medical officer at the Earotonga Hospital, staled that, on the evening of March 12, he received' a note from a Mr. Taylor at about 8 p.m., and he immediately went to Wigmorc's plantation where he saw Phillip Woontbn, Wigmore, and Walter Taylor. He did not see the body of the dead man, another doctor having been there. Subsequently he had to go out .in company with tho Resident Commissioner, Mr. Savage, interpreter, and Mi\ > Blaine, registrar. On examining the body he found three wounds. The lirst was ono on the .upper part of the left arm, the second .under tho left arm-pit, and tho third on ■the right side of tho back. In his opinion the three wounds were all made by the one shot. The cause of death was a gun,shot wound. Acting under instructions, he had held an inquiry under the Medical Officers' Inquiry Act', and he produced the notes taken at this inquiry, i To Mr. M'Veagh: Ho had reached accused's residence at 9.20 p.m. The accused, Woonton, and Taylor were all perfectly sober. To his Honour: All whom ho saw were perfectly sober. Mr. M'Veagh: Supposing that tho deceased had adopted a low crouching attitude, and swayed his arms and body as in a native dance, and that accused' slipped, and the gun went off, is the wound consistent- with' these circumstances?

Witness: "I consider it is." Continuing, he siid he. saw the man's singlet, and noticed thai: the wound of exit had not come through the singlet. Dr. C. M'Beath Dawson stated ho had been called to Wigmore's at 7.25. About ten minutes later ho met Barclay., who appeared to bo in a perfectly normal condition. On arrival at Wigmore's, ho saw accused, .Titylor, and -AYoonlon. Accused seemed iipwt, but witness would not swear that ho had been drinking. He saw 110 signs of drinking at all. In reply to a question as to how tho affair happened, Wignioro had stated that ho slipped when taking the gun out. Ben Smith, tho man whoNfirst brought the note to witness, was excited, and witness was of opinion that he had been drinking. Tho causo of death was tho gun-shot wound.

Evidence was then given by Poro, a daughter of the deceased. She stated Wigmore camo to Ngatangiia for More on the day of tho fatality. More had had some "roro"—a drink made from coconut juice. It was in a small demijohn. To. Mr. M'Veagh: More was very kind to Wiguiore. A BANANA-BEER REVEL. Ngata, a Native of Avarua, stated that he remembered tho day on which More was shot. He arrived at Wigmore's in tlie forenoon. Tata Mitiaro, Tutangata, axd Mamia also went. On arrival at Wigmorc's it was found that the labourers were drinking banana-beer in tho buggy-shed. There was a biscuit-tin full of the beer. There wero no Europeans there when he arrived. He had some beer and left in the afternoon. Why . did you leave?—"l was dead drunk. A lot of men were drunk." It was (he continued) a fino day, but lie did not know if the grass was wet. It was dry before ho got drunk. Tau Matekeiti and Tnngi Metua wero also there. He also knew, another Tangi, and Tercpo, and Raniaaia, who were present To Mr. M'Veagh: He may have had twenty cups of beer in the buggy-shed— they could help themselves. All the Natives present had some beer, and they wero all really drunk. Tutangata, Terepo, Tangi, Metua, Tata Mitiaro, Nanua, and Matekieti were all in the same condition. Tata Mitiaro deposed that ho was also at Wigmore's on' the day in question. He saw Tau Teropo and some others there. Wigmore's labourers were drinking banana-beer. Witness had some drink, and they wero all drunk when tho Europeans arrived at the house. He himself was sober enough to know them. The ones ho knew were Peyroux, Tata Cowan, Connal,'Ben Smith, Barclay, and Wigmore. More came with Wigmore's crowd, and tho white party- went into Wigmore's house, taking a tin of liquor with them. It was a biscuit-tin from the buggy-shed. Before he left, before sunset, the Europeans wero singing and dancing, and they were in a similar state to the Natives. Ben Smith and Barclay were both there. Counsel proceeded to ask witness about a certain conversation which he was alleged to have had with one Woonton, but tho Court interposed. His Honour told the Crown Prosecutor that, if ho thought that Woonton had attempted to tamper with the witness, he could indict him. He (his Honour) would sit there and try him. Cross-examined by Mr. M'Veagh, witness stated that he was drunk at Wigmore's, having started drinking beforo breakfast. He had given evidence beforo tho Registrar after tho accident, and had told all he knew at tho time, but he did not say that he had seen liquor taken from the buggy-shed into Wigmoro's house. Ho forgot it. Ho had told the Registrar that tho Europeans were singing and dancing, and that they were drunk like the Natives. He could not account for theso statements being left off the official depositions at the inquiry. Ho said that Barclay and Tutangata wero fighting, but this did not appear on tho depositions. Wignioro did not order him to leave tho place. Re-examined by' Mr. Ostler, witness said that ho was able to see into Wigmore's house, and ho could seo the Europeans singing, and that they appeared to bo under tho influence of liquor. When Barclay and Smith had a fight with Tutangata and witness. Barclay was, in his opinion, under the influence of liquor. Mr. M'Veagh: What made you think that Barclay was under tho influence of liquor? Witness: That could not bo lost sight of after looking at him.,

WHAT OTHER NATIVES SAW. Tutangata, another Native, corroborated tho eviilcnco as to the drinking; in tho buggy house by Wigmoro's labourers - .' Witness was going info tho house, when Wigmore, who was under the influence of liquor, ordered him away. Witness went a short distance, and lien Smith followed him, shaking his list. Witness look no notice, and walked oil. but Smith followed and.caught bim up. Smith was undo: the

influence of liquor, and went to strike, witness, who pushed him. At this stage Tata Miliaro eamo into sight, with Barclay, who was not much under the influence of liquor. "Witness proceeded to describo a scuffle which ensued. There was no rain on the day of the fatality. To Mr. M'Veagh: He often got drunk. ITe had been in gaol for it, and also for stealing cargo. It might be that "U'igmoro ordered him to go away because he was drunk, lie could suggest no other reason. Akatere, a young .Native, said that ho l.ad been invited to a "beer drink" bv Wigmore's labourers. Witness described the drinking that took place and the sparring.

To .Air. 3l'Vragh: He got drunk like Hie rest, but could not say how many drinks ho had. The beer was taken iiito Wigmore's bouse in an earthenware jar. ]t was Tutnngata who had asked Cowan "to have a spar." Ue-oxamined by 31 r. Ostler: The jar of beer, which was taken into the dwelling, nas filled three times.

lone, a Native employed by Connal, gave corroborative evidence as to tho drinking by the Natives, who were the guests of Wigmore's labourers. He went to sleep, and, when he woke up, Tata Cowan and Connal were having a fight. He did not drink any more after he woke up, but went and looked at the trouble that was going on in the house. Ho stood by tho door, and saw Connal go up, to Tata Cowan, who was sitting on a hed, and lay hold of him. Tata pushed Connal away, and then went up to him and put his elbows into his chest. Later ho struck Connal a blow on the nose with his left fist, bringing tho blood.' Tata then got up, and sat on a beech. Connal approached him, and Tata got angry at something vhich Connal .said in English. Tata leaned bis head forward towards Connal, and then stood erect and struck Connal with his right hand. Tho blow landed on the bridge of the nose, where (he previous one landed. Peyroux took Connal away after he had been struck (he second time, and bathed Iho wound. THE GUN BROUGHT OUT. 3Fr. Ostler: Did Wigmore do anything? —"He-went to get a gun." His Honour: Tell him to say exactly what ho saw. Witness then said that "Wigmore went into a smaller room, and, when he came out, he was .carrying a double-barrelled gun (produced). Wigmore came out of the back door, and asked for Tata Cowan. "When Wigmore went into the other room Tata went away among the bananas! Wigmore went out of the back door, and ran to the western side, and 31ore, who was on the back verandah, went up and tried, to prevent Wigmore going. Wigmore was still carrying the gun, and pointed it at 31ore, who .throw up his hands in an attitude of remonstrance. Peyroux and Pua (Wigmore's housekeeper) then came up, and took the gun away from Wigmore, who returned to tho house. Peyroux went; back to attend Connal. and Tata returned from tho bush and sat on the verandah with Pua. Wigmore came out, and told Cowan threo times to "go on," and ■'Wigmore then went into the house, and Barclay came and told Tata to clear out, and lie left, making inland. A. little after Barclay returned to the house, Wigmore came out carrying a rifle with one barrel. Ho went "out of the front door, and asked for Tata, and appeared to be angry, but was walking straight. When Tata was not to be seen, .Wigmore returned to the house, and went out through the back door. Witness, 3latekieti, Tanei Metua, and 3ra ran to tho side of the house.. "Wigmore asked for Tata, and 3loro went up and tried to stop Wigmore, who nointed the gun at him (3lore). Ho did not know if 3loro spoke, as 3fore was between the house and Wigmore, and about four yards separated them. Wigmoro moved to within 40 or 50 feet of 3lnre, and struck at him with the gun. He then poiutid the gun at 3lore, and it" exploded and More fell. His Honour: Before the gun exploded did Wigmoro fall to the ground? Witness: "No." s

Did you seo Wigmoro slip in any way? —"No. There had been no rain that dav, and the grass was not wet." to Mr. Ostler: He did not see Barclay anywhero near. Wigmoro when the gun went off. Ho would have seen him if he had been following Wigmore. Ho watched Wigmore • tho whole time, and would have seen if he had slipped. He did not seo the gun almost drop or get. jerked in any way, and ho would have seen it if it had happened.

To Mr. M'Veagh: He did not look specially to see, if there wore any fowls about. They may have been there. Ho got properly drunk after he reached Wigmore's, at 10 a.m., and went to sleep in the sun. He might have had twenty cups of beer. He would just be beginning to get drunk on ten. Ho did not mention at tho inquiry held by the Kegistrar that Pua. came with Peyroux at tho time of the taking -of the gun from Wigmore. He could not say for certain who look the gun back to the house. Pressed for an answer, witness remembered that Wigmore took it back. Ho further remembered making a statement to Constable Uka, on the evening of the fatality. If. was tho same as he had made that day.

His Honour: Was Moro facing Wigmore or standing sideways when the gun exploded?— Almost sideways. His right side was to Wigmore." Taan, another Native, gave corroborative, evidence as to the earlier happenings He saw; Wigmoro como out of the back door with a double-barrelled gun, which he pointed about: AVhat was ho pointingat?—"At More, who was facing the house." What happened then ?—"Wigmore's housekeeper (Pua) came and took the gun away Ho did not seo Peyroux interfere in regard to the gun." What did you do when you saw Wigmoro point the gun at Sore?—"l ran away, because I was frightened." To Mr. M'Veagh: Ho was not drunk. Pua took the gun towards the back of the house. , - - Mate Kieti,, a youthful Native, corroborated' tho early part of the story told by the other witnesses. He saw the fight between Connal and Tata Cowan. Connal was knocked down, and Tata got him by the throat. Connal then said something, and they both appeared to bo angry. Witness proceeded to detail the blows struck and the injurv to Connal's nose. When Tata struck Connal he ran out, and Wigmore went and brought u double-barrelled gun. He saw More, who appeared to be trying to get Wirmore to put the gun down. Wigmofe faced the back of the house, and More ivas about six feet off. Wigmore pointed tho gun at More, who put un both his hands. He saw no one else near them. Witness afterwards saw Wigmore go into Iho bedroom and coine out with a rifle leaving by the back door. In the meantime Pua had told Tata to run awav Witness went to the eastern end of tho front verandah, and saw Wigmore »o to the place where he had first stood Moro was then about 6ft. behind Wigmore" who turned round and faced the back of the house, so facing More. Wigmoro pointed the gun at More, who stood with his hands up. Wigmore spoke to More in English, and then the gun went off. More fell backwards. Witness thou ran iway outside tho house paddock. THE SECOND DAY. At 10 p.m. the Court rose for the day. On resuming at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Juno 17, Mr. M'Veagh cross-examined Matckieti at length. Witness said that ho was fairly drunk when he got into Titakaveka after leaving Wigmore's. He did not see 'inything done with the gun other than the pointing and the explosion. He did not see Cowan put his elbows into Connal's chest. To Mr. Ostler: He was not too drunk Vo remember what, happened. Nanua, a French Tahitian, stated that he was in the house playing the accordion, when ho saw Wigmore with a doublebarrelled gun, but he took no notice. He also saw Cowan and Connal fighting, lie and Peyroux were away catching a horse when they heard a gunshot, and, in returning, Moro was dead. Evidence was also given by Turuma, a Native woman, who said that the Europeons were drunk in the early part of the proceedings.

Mr. Ostler stated he had intended calling the wife of the deceased, but she was confined to her home with elephantiasis.

In opening Hie case for the defence, Mr. M'Veagh sketched tlio line v.liich he would lake at some length. There had undoubtedly been extreme drunkenness on the part nf the Natives, but the Europeans had only had one bottle of whisky between ten of them. It was true,'however, that there was a little banana beer in th« .house. The deceased and Wigmore were good friends. Towards evening, on tho day i.n question, Wigmore. was tolrl that there was no fr<?«h meat in the house, and he went out to shoot a. fowl.

' The gun had exploded as a result of Wigmore tripping or stumbling. He would call evidence to show that Wigmore was absolutely sober, and to prove that the fatality was a pure accident. Evidence ivnuld* also be called, to show that the alleged fight between Connal and Cowan v.'as a friendly wrestle. WIGMORE IN THE BOX. William John Wigmore, planter, stated that he had been planting on the island four yearn and a half, and employed a number of labourers. Ho had been a member of tlie Fourth New Zealand Contingent which saw service in South Africa. When he and the other F.uropeans, and .Mure, arrived at the plantation on the Sunday in question, the Natives were drinking banana beer. This would be about 1.30 p.m. One of tho visitors had a. bottle of whisky, and ho had one nip after lunch. There was some, beer in the house, and someone played the aceordian. Ho saw Cowan and Connal wrestling in a perfectly frioudly manner. Connal fell, and this had caused his nose to bleed. Witness proceeded to explain that, about 5 p.m., he had a conversation with his housekeeper, Puo, in the presence of Taylor, tho effect of which ivas.that there was no fresh meat in the house for tea, and that it was decided that ho should go out, and shoot a fowl. He went out by the back door, and towards the store, to get some cartridges. He was carrying a double-barrelled gun, but he remembered that ho had left a couple of cartridges in the bedroom When he had changed his wet clothqs after a recent shooting expedition. CSnsequently, he returned to tho house, and, in the piesence of Pua and Taylor, he tried to put, the cartridges in. Ho got one in, but the one in the left barrel stuck. Ho and Taylor tried to dislodge it, but without success, and he then took a .303 rifle to shoot a. fowl for tea. He had about 100 fowls at the time, and they ran loose and roosted in tho trees. He left the house by tho front door, passing Barclay and Matckieti, the latter apparently dosing. Barclay asked where witness was going, and he replied to the effect that he was going to shoot a fowl. He went along tho front verandah, and up the side of the house, Barclay and Pua following him along the verandah. At (his time he was perfectly sober. From the corner of the house lie went towards the storehouse, and he saw the deceased, More, who was dancing a native dance alone. 3lorc was in a crouching attitude with his knees spread out, and was fairly under the influence of liquor. "When More was gelling close witness warned him to "Look out." He knew, from experience, that More became very affectionate when be was drunk. Just (hen, his (Wigmore's) foot slipped. He put his hand up to save tho rifle, and at that minute the gun He had been carrying the rifle in his right band. His Honour: Can you explain how it exploded?

|. Accused: "The only thing I can explain is that the rifle dipped, and my finger slipped inside the trigger guard." His Honour: How was the muzzle pointing—up or down? Accused: "I could not say." Continuing his evidence, witness said that as soon ns More fell, ho (Wigmore) called out for someone to run for a doctor. Barclay was perfectly sober, and so were Connal, Taylor, and Peyroux. He noticed no Natives about when Iforo fell. At no timo that day did Pua or Peyroux try to take a gun away from witness. Cross-examined by tho Crown .Prosecutor: He was'not at home on the Saturday niffht: Ho was at Peyroux's. house at a native feast. There was a fair quantity of liquor (here, and he had some. Ho had several clarets and sonio banana beer, but no whisky Keck, Barclay, Woonton, Taia Cowan, and others were present. Ho did not have a fight with one Charlie Smith that night, or on the Friday. On the Saturday night hone of the men named got drunk as far as lie knew. On Sunday morning lie drank some "roro." He could not say whether the small demijohn was finished. Witness admitted that he imported whiskv, and he thought that he got some out of bond on the Saturday. He did not remember what he got out of bond during the fortnight previous to the fatality—it may have been four bottles of whiskv anil twelve bottles of claret. Ho would not deny that he got two bottles of whisky out of bond on the Saturday previous to the fatality. He did not remember, but would swear that ho did not take it home. He did not go to.see what the labourers were drinking when ho got home on Sunday. : It was not unusual for drinking to go on, at his place. He did not sanction it, but it was no use trying to stop tho men, and he did not attempt to. If he did ho would lose his labourers. Ho never joined the Natives, but he drank th'ir beer sometimes. He would not deny that a jug of liquor was taken into his house on Sunday. He would swear that there was only the one bottle of whisky in the house on the Sunday in question. Witness did not say that the present storv was exactly the same as the one which ho had told at the medical inquiry, but it had not been altered to suit circumstances. He had not said anything about going out with the double-barrelled gun at the medical inquiry. It was, however, not. n detail added, because three Natives actually saw him in the ynrd with the gun. At the inquiry he did not mention having called out immediately after'the accident. He had said then that he could int remember, but. he remembered now. The item had escaped his memory at the inquiry. A Strong Suggestion. Mr._ Ostler: When you went out to shoot the fowl did you =ee anything nr anyone?—"l spoke to More.'and to Barclay, but saw no one else." He did not notice Tangi Metua. or Ma, or Te Ariki, as ho went. out. If they were near Barclay ho might not have noticed them. None of the above Natives were on the verandah "at the time. Ma, Tangi Metua; and Te Ariki worked for- him, and were produced to give evidence at the medical inquiry. Mr. Osflcr: "I want to know why they said at tho inquiry that you went 'out to shoot a fowl if they were not within hearing? T suggest," added counsel, "that you put these men up to tell that lio in the court." Witness: I did not. Mr. Ostler: Tf I could nroduce in court a letter to show that Ma had written to his father, Mangaia, and had told him that you ' had put it into his heart to say what was false in tho court, would you say that. Ma was telling a lie? Witness: I would. I understand that you are not producing- Ma?—" That depends on my lawyer." After reading the letter referred to, accused swore that, he had not said a word to Ma, and that all that Ma said in the letter was a lie. Mr. Ostler: Ton say that you went, to shnot a fowl, that you had a double-bar-relled gun first, and that you walked towards the storeroom. You went through" a room full of people, and yet every man at tho nrevious inquiry only saw you once with a gun. and that was the rifle. Accused said that he could not account for this. He did not know that Cowan ran away when he came out with the gun to shoot a fowl, thinking that he (accused) was going to shoot, him. To fie Court: The last he saw of Cowan was about half an hour before tho accident. Continuing, witness said that the Runday in question was fine, but there was a shower or two in the afternoon. As far as he could remember the eras* .was slin. pery. and the ground soft. He would sw»ar that, he did not tell Woonton to tell a certain, man to say. that he did not get drunk at Wigmore's. He had bpen pre.=cnt at a meeting at Connal's the iiffi'rn«op after ('■" accident. Bn'-lav. Connal. Tayl"'\ Woonton, and Cowan were there.. The case was'mentioned, but he did not up Cowan not to 'ay anything alvnit if. He did not remember now what thev 'aid. but thev did not hf>Mi * story t<- lw told before the Court.

His F"no\i'". When yon were examined hpfore T)r. Storv, did not meoHnii that von slipped. Ton said Hint: More was doing a native dance, and that, ynu tried to avoid him, that the ride slippc'. and yon made a •rrab fo save it. and yr.nr finders slipped inside the triprcror rrnard. Accused: I omitted the slip. A WITNESS CORNERED. Walter George Taylor, a planter, said that he tool; one bottle of whisky to Wigmore'.i on the Sunday in question, and the party drank it. There was also some banana beer in llio house. Witness, Wigmore, l>arclay, and Connal were all perfect iy sober. He corroborated the. story I old "by Wigmore as. to the shortage (if fresh meat, and the decision to shoot--a fowl.' Also as to the jamming of the cartridge in (lie shot [tun, and the substitution of tho rifle He wus in the' house whea ho heard the shot.

s'o Mr. Ostler: His usual quantity of whisky was one bottle a week, but lie sometimes got two. He also had claret in the bond.. Ho could not say definitely that, between February and March 11, he got (irelvc pints of beer, three bottles of claret, and four bottles of whisky out of bond. It might be so, if the official record said so. His overseer, 3lr. Hill, also had a right to liquor, lie had been drunk in company-with Wigmore, and with Connal. It was not (lie practice to leserve these drinking bouts for Sunday, but tho native labourers used Sunday for drinking more than, any other day. It did not surprise him to see Wigmore's labourers drunk on' Sunday, as that practice was common all round (he island on Sundays. He would not deny that -a biscuit tin, and three jugs of beer wcro taken into Wigmore's house on the Sunday in question.

Counsel examined witness at considerable length on discrepancies between tho evidence which he gave at tho medical inquiry, and (hat which ho had given to tho Court.

31 r. Ostler: Were you at tho meeting at Connal's on the Monday?—"Thero was no meeting."

.Mr. Ostler: Wigmore.has just told us there was.

Witness then recollected the gathering. They spoke about the ease, and Wooutou brought. Cowan ill as they wanted him for the inquest.' 3lr. Ostler: Was it not to prime him as to the tale which he should tell?—"I didn't hear any priming." Pua, a Native girl, housekeeper for Wigmore, corroborated tho evidence of the previous witness as to the discussion with Wigmore re fresh meat, etc. As Wigmoro went out, she followed, and raw 3latekieti lying drunk on the verandah Barclay was also there, and was all right. Wigmore went ahead, and she and barclay followed him. A little later she saw 3foro_ dancing. A native danced in front of Wigmore, who told him to get away. More, however, would not listen, and kept on dancing, and, just then, Wigmore's left foot slipped, and tho gun exploded. 3loro fell, and Wigmore threw tho gun down, and looked at. 3lore, and called out in 3laori for some one to go for the doctor. She did not, at any time that, (lay, take a gun from Wigmore, or call cut to him not to shoot, and to drop the gun. She did not tell- Tata to run away. During a lengthy cross-examination, witness said that she had followed Wigmore out to see him shoot the fowl—it was not to see that ho didn't shoot Tata Cowan. If any one said that she told Tata to rnn away just' before this they would be telling lies. She did not see any fight between Cowan and Connal. "IF YOU RUSHED TO THE BODY AT ONCE-?" Win. dc Jtune Barclay, manager for Messrs. 3[i!ler and 'Co'., gave corroborative evidence. He had not had a drink on the day in question, nor for a week previously, oil account of the state of his health. Wigmore was-absolutely sober, and Taylor, Peyroux, and Connal were also sober. He saw none of,tho Europeans drunk.;.though they were jolly. Tutangata.'.'aw.Tata Jlitiaro were both very drunk, and Were ordered off the premises in his hearing. . He detailed a row which ho and Ben Smith had had with these Natives as a result of bad language used by the Natives when they were ordered away. Just before the fatality ho saw Matakieti asleep on the verandah. Witness presently saw Wigmore conic"oiit with a carbine, and, in reply to a question, Wigmore said that he was going to "pot" a fowl. Pua was a pace or two behind "Wigmore. Just then Wigmore's foot appeared to slip, and the carbine went off as it was lifted into the air by Wigmore's right arm. The bullet went info 3fore. who fell down.

, To the Court: He was from four to six paces from Wigmoro at tho time. After More fell ho (Barclay) went straight over, and looked at Ow body. Smith then lifted up the man's singlet. At uo time that day did ho see Wigmoso. point a gun at More.- The shooting was purely accidental. To Mr. Ostler: When llore was shot there was no one between witness and Wigmore. Pua was alongside him. Mr. Ostler: If you rushed to tho body at once, how was it that Smith had got up, and had lifted the singlet when you got there? • Is it-not a fact -that-Smith got hero first?—" No." His Honour: I understood you to say that you immediately ran over. AVitness: I .ran over.His Honour: You say that you were the nearest to More, except Wigmore. . How did it happen, then, that Smith got in before you? Witness: "I can't.say, sir." Witness went on: to say that ho saw the wrestling competition between Connal and Cowan. To the best of his knowledge, all the Europeans had some drink. Witness had to be pressed by the Court for the above answer, whereupon his Ilonour said, "If you put your answer like that, no jury will believe you. Take caro as to what you answer." Witness denied strenuously a suggestion that' he had wasted time in getting the doctor so as to give the others time to sober up. To Mr. M'Veagh: It would be impossible for Matekieti to see More fall, if ho was in the position-which ho.said he occupied. WHY DIDN'T YOU SAY THAT BEFORE? Hugh M'Crone Connal, surveyor, said that, the Europeans only had the -one bottle of whisky. He also had a couple of glasses of Native beer, but was quite sober. Wigmore, Barclay, and Peyroux were all sober. The matter between him and Cowan was t! :j result of Cowan saving that ho could easily throw witness in Japanese fashion. It was quite friendly, and the cut on witness's nose was quite an accident. He did not uso an offensive expression to Cowan,' nor. did Cowan striko him. Witness then proceeded to give his version of the death of More. He saw the Native dancing towards Wigmore, and the latter slipped when near More, and the gun exploded, and More was shot. More was perfectly sober. Wigmore did not deliberately point the gun at More—he merely slipped, and (ho gun went oil'. ■ To Mr. Ostler: As far as he could see, Wigmore was perfectly sober. Mr. Ostler: Why d'idn't you say that at the inquiry? Witness replied tliiit ho had stated at the inquiry that Wiginofo was fairly sober, and had then corrected himself and said that ho was sober—not intoxicated. Continuing, witness said that the Europeans were just "skylarking" before the accident. Ho did not seo any earthenware jar of liquor, but there was a jug that was filled two or threo times. If Wigmore had gone through the back door witness would havo seen him. Wigmoro had the rifle when witness first saw him, and he never saw him at all with die double-barrelled gun. His Honour: If he had come in by the back door with the double-barrelled gun ten minutes or a quarter of an hour before, yon must have seen him? Witness: "I did not sec him." Witness to his Honour:' He did not see Barclay and, if (hero had been a man four feel, behind Wigmore, ho would have seen him. Ho thought, even that, he would havo seen at six feet. He did not. see Barclay or Pua. Mr. Ostler: Jf Barclay said that he followed accused at from four to six paces behind, would that ho right? ■ Witness: "I did not see him." Witness went on to state that ho did not remember what wns said at ing at his house. To Mr. M'Veagh: There was no "schooling" of the story as far as he knew. Evidence was next given by Jean Peyroux, and was to the effect that all the white men were sober. This closed the case for (he defence. THE FINDING. At this stage the Court adjourned until Monday (June 18) to hear counsel's addresses'. The jury was locked up over Sunday. • ■ |"As reported in Saturday's issue the jury returned after an absence- of less Chan half an hour with a verdict of guilty of manslaughter, and a '.cry strong recommendation to mercy. A sentence of six months' imprisonment was imposed, and, subject to the approval of the Now /calami authorities, Wigmore at the end of his term of imprisonment was (o bo dc]X)rted from the Islands to New Zealand. His Honour, in passing sentence, expressed regret that European witnesses should have gone into the box to shield tho accused by ultering untrue statements.] .

A slock sale will be hold at Pa.lmerston Norl.li on Thursday next, July 6. For Bronchial Coughs taJio Woods' Great Peppermint Cure, Is, 6d, •-,.