Murder of a Constable.

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, Issue III, 5 August 1890, Page 2

Murder of a Constable.

A man named Funeke boarded the steamer Minnie Casey at Dargaville. He was carrying a gun, and had concealed a revolver and sheath knife. He was faoisy on the passage from Dargaville to Mimgawbar©, and the gun was taken from him, by the captain, and this teems to hare farther irritated him. Oonitable McLedd, with his wife and family, had come on Hoard the ttefctner at DargaTille on their way to Auckland and Constable Scott and his wife also boarded the Vesspl at Maughawhare to proceed lower down the river to Aratapu. ■, The st aoier had ju»V left, the Mangawhare wharf when Funeke entered the cabin, e ailing for his gun, and threatening that if he did not get it he would ■hoot some of them. McLeod and eotno other passengers were then in the cabin. Funeke was holding what appeared to he a revolver, bnt none of those in the room who saw it itriagiaed it to be loaded. Constable Scott, hearing the .■ »oise t - came in and pushed Funeke out of the cabin, and, with Constable McLeod'g assistance, took him on deck. The steamer then put, back to Manga wjvare, arid Funeke was taken on shore by the constables. He showed no resistance, and went quietly. Me' cod and Scott returned, and the ste&mer again put off, when Funeke immediately commenced to use abusive language, and again called for his gun. The vessel was only a short distance away when Funeke fii-ed, but the bullet took &o effect. He fired a second time, the shot sriking the vessel's side. Funeke then fired a third shot, and his bullet had a fatal effect, for it struck Constable McLeod, who was standing at the rail of the steamer, and pierced his heart, the unfortunate man expiring immediately. Two^.qther shots were fired, one of the bu'Teta penetrating the timber' of oneof'the cabin*. After an interval, when the vessel had moved further into the stream, Funeke began firing again The steamer's head was turned,- aud she wpnt to Bnrgaville, where McL°o i's body was put on shore. A number of settlers, armed: rtfeh leaded rifles, and under the charge of Constab'es Scott and Carr set out in pursuit ot the murderer, and walked to Manga whare which is little more than a mil« away from Dargavil c. Funeke was standing at the end of the wharf, and when oba'lftnged made no answer.' '<"$ Bank cartridge was then fired a him, and in the bright moonlight Funeke was seen to lift up his hands as if to fire. Two rifles charged with Bbofc were then fired at him, and one of the charges striking him in the breast and groin, ha fell and was arrested.