MURDER CHARGE

Hokitika Guardian, 22 March 1933, Page 6

MURDER CHARGE

‘ 'THE-IvAITARA SENSATION.

(Per Press Association — Copyright.)

KAITARA, -March 22

The hearing of a murder charge against Itiri Manuel, a Maori, commenced before Mr 'Morris, S.M., at Kaitara . to-day. Manuel: was charged with murdering Hatiwi-i’a Houkamou Rapihana, known as Hati Robson Pukepoto, a farmer, on January 8. Mr Iv. Trimmer and Mr R. K. Kelly are appearing fo r him and Air R. Meredith is .prosecuting. Th e inquest into the death of Rapihana is being held simultaneously, before the Coroner, L. A. Mclntosh. Waimate Hati Robson gave evidence through an interpreter, that accused was her second husband whom she married in 1929. Accused had bee u working for deceased-ipr the last two years, ■at times; being well behaved, -but at others he used to get out of control. Witnes s was asked if she could remember any incidents, but Mr Trimmer objected stating that if such evidence wer 0 published, and later could not b e substantiated, it might do ir.catculable harm- to defendant's case.

The Magistrate upheld 'the objection

Witness continued thatth e night before the tragedy, accused .and two of .witness’ children went to the pictures. Deceased and witness stayed at home, deceased going to bed before witness.