MAORI'S RASH ACT.

King Country Chronicle, Volume V, Issue 375, 5 July 1911, Page 5

MAORI'S RASH ACT.

SUICIDE BY HANGING. An inquest was held at Oparure yesterday morning on the body of Tu Rora, who was found dead hanging in a tree on Sunday night. Mr J. T. D. Tammadee, J.P., acted as coroher. Constable Capp represented the Police. The following were the jury: Messrs W. Dines (foreman), A. Scott, F. J. Plier and T. Davidson. Hori Hapukena, father of the deceased, deposed that he last saw his son alive on Sunday, about 6 p.m., when he was apparently in good health. He was aroused from his sleep by his daughter Amy, who told him that Tu Rora was dead, hanging in a tree. Witness went to the scene and saw deceased hanging from the tree. He climbed the tree and endeavoured to undo the ropa which was around Rora's necli, but without success. He then cut the rope, and the body carrie to the ground. Rora was quite dead. Amy Hapukena said she last Baw her brother alive on Sunday night about 9 p.m. He appeared to be quite well, and was not at all excited. About half an hour later witness heard the dogs barking, and on going to the back door heard a cry. Witness saw a lantern aiight at the foot of a pine tree On arrival at the tree witness saw deceased hanging from the tree. She then informed her father. The only possible reason witness knew why deceased should take his life, on thinking afterwards, was because she had informed him she was going to marry her cousin, and he had very strong objections. Witness took deceased's coat off, and in it found notes on three envelopes (produced). The message contained was that he had done the deed himself, and that no blame was attachable to any one. Wharehotu also gave evidence, and described the process of removing the body to his house. The jury returned a verdict that deceased committed suicide by hanging himself whilst temporarily insane.