ALLEGED MURDER OF A MAORI GIRL AT KOHIMARAMA.

Globe, Volume II, Issue 131, 31 October 1874, Page 3

ALLEGED MURDER OF A MAORI GIRL AT KOHIMARAMA.

The N. Z. Herald of the 19th says—On Saturday last information was conveyed to town that a Maori girl named Henrietta Tepuni, aged 16, had been killed by a Maori named Newton, at the Kohimarama settlement. The information was forwarded by the Orakei chief Paora Tuhaere, with intelligence that, that the offender was in custody, and guarded until the arrival of the police authorities to take charge of him. Mr H. Kemp, the Native Commissioner, accompanied by Detective Ternahan, at once proceeded to Orakei in a cab, and on arrival were met by Chief Paul, who stated that the tragic occurrence had taken place on Tuesday last. An enquiry had since been held by the natives, the result being that Newton was ordered to be handed over to justice. A boat was manned at the instigation of Chief Paul, and the accused brought to town in custody ol Detective Ternahan. lie was landed a* Wyuyard Pier, at about four o’clock, and conveyed to the Police station, the prisoner apparently being unconcerned. Yesterday Detective Ternahan, accompanied by Mr Brown, native interpreter, proceeded down to Kohimarama in the police-boat, and took possession of the body of the deceased girl, Chief Paul being present when it was dclivered over. The body was brought to town and placed in the dead-house iu Freeman’s Hay, where a j)ost mortem examination will be held. From enquiries made on the spot, yesterday by a member of our staff, it appears that the accused Newton had a passion for the Maori girl. Newton is apparently between 40 and 50 years of age, and the girl under 17. The affection was not reciprocated, and attention is stated to have been paid her by another Maori named Pirika, to whom she was favou.ably disposed, and who is much younger than Newton. This exasperated the latter, and ou luesday evening, after watching her in company with his rival, Newton sought her out, and angry words followed. What further transpired is known only to himself. Later he was heard to call to the girl’s father and mother, while, to a little girl who was looking for her, he stated that she was dead. Assist ance arrived* and the girl was carried into her father's house, suffering from injuries received, and which she did not long survive. Before she died, she asked for her father and mother, but what she imparted to them has not yet transpired. The chief was sought for, but be was away at Auckland. On his return, an inquiry was held, which resulted as already stated. The Maoris round about the settlement are very much concerned at the tragic end of the poor girl. Until the post mortem examination is held, it is impossible to say by what violent means she met her death. The body is somewhat decomposed, the face having also a blackened appearance. An inquest will be held at two o’clock this afternoon, at the Freeman’s Hotel, Freeman’s Bay, Chief Paul having undertaken to have the witnesses present.