MURDERED BY MALAYS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4421, 31 May 1922, Page 4

MURDERED BY MALAYS.

NEW ZEALANDER KILLED ON I JUNGLE PATH. Mr R. O. Smart, p, New Zealander who held a, position as Government surveyor in the Malay Peninsula, was murdered some, time ago between Penang and Kedah. Seven Malays were charged with, the crime, and' of them four were found guilty and were sentenced to death. The "Straits Settlement Times,’’ reporting the trial, states : A coolie deposed that while he was walking along a jungle path the first accused passed and suddenly turned and attacked Mr.- Smart with what seemed to be a short stick or kris. Mr. Smart snatched a handbag from the witness and hit the accused on the forehead. Severaj Malays then came from the jungle carrying sticks. Witness ran to the camp and informed the tindal. He subsequently identified the first ‘ accused. ! A doctor said he examined the body and found a deep incised wound oh ' the scalp four or five inches long. There was also a stab wound .in the groin penetrating the abdominal cav-< ity, in addition to several minor in- ! juries. Death was due to injury to the brain, shock, and bleeding. In his opinion Mr. Smart was struck on the 'head from behind- and stabbed when lying on his back. He probably died two or three hours after his ipjuries were sustained. He was- probably conscious with recurrent fainting fits. If medical attendance had been available within an hour or two of the attack, Mr. Smart’s life might have been saved.