MOTU MURDER.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 December 1921, Page 2

MOTU MURDER.

[bv TEt.EGItAPH —l'Ell PUESS ASSOCIATION] TRIAL OF THE TOPIS. OXE BROTHER CLEARED. OPOTIKI, Dec. 7. At the trial of the Topi Brother* for the murder of the Syrian Zambukka, Donald Saxy denied having issued a message for the natives to clear their guns and hide the cartridges. Wlinre Matenga, who is at present serving a three years’ sentence for assaulting, said that he was with Butene in the Gisborne gaol. Rulene had told witness that lie (Butene) left his home before Zambukka. He watched for the latter at Motu River, and there shot him. He then robbed him. and planted the money, totalling £163 os. Butene said he then went to Saxb.v’s station.

Constable Balkcy detailed bis investigations. He produced photographs of the scenes of the tragedy and of other

points. Detective O’Brien detailed having searched the Topis’ house. He secured guns and cartridges, and also bloodstained trousers.

Constable Neal, a native policeman, said that he interpreted statements made by the accused to Detective McLeod, being present when the accused were arrested.

Detective McLeod was the last witness. He gave lengthy evidence as to the investigation leading to the arrest of the accused. He read a signed statement by Rutcne and Poeti as to their movements on November t. The statement by Peeti, made after his arrest stated that Rutenc left home before the others had finished dinner. M lien witness was returning from getting wood for the roller, he met Rutcne near a track across the Motu River. Butene <mve witness a double-barrelled gun, and told him to take it home, as lie was going to the station. Witness took the gun home. When -Mr Nolan announced that there would he no more witnesses, Rutene replied to a question: “I hove nothing to say.” Peeti insisted on making a statement oil oath. He went into the witmss box, and gave a detailed account of Ids movements on the day of the murder. He said that Rutene left the dinner table before the others bad finished. and went away on horseback. Witness left home about 3.30 to get timber up the river hod. He met Teara Ngamoki, who had previously passed Zambukka. Witness saw no one else. He went a mile up the river and marked some timber that he wanted. On returning, he met Rutene, who gave witness the gun which he took home. Mr Barnard, counsel for the defence, submitted there was no evidence against Peeti Topi. His movements on the day of the murder had been satisfactorily accounted for. . Air Kendrick, the Magistrate, agreed that Peeti’s story agreed with the evidence of the other witnesses. He would dismiss the case against Peeti. He committed Ruteiit Topi for trial at the Supreme Court at Gisborne on March 13.