The Murder Trial.

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, Issue III, 23 October 1890, Page 2

The Murder Trial.

SENTENCED TO DEATH. In the murder trial at New Plymouth, the Judge summed up at great length. The jury retired at 4.150 p.m. to consider their verdict, and after an hour returned to Court with a verdict of guilty, and a recommendation to mercy on account of his youth and his bolonging to an alien race. In answer to the usual formula, the prisoner said, " May I speak ?'' The Judge : Yea. Prisoner : Why am I found guilty. The Judge : '. he jury have fouud you guilty. The prisoner then stated : 7 .vr.-::'! t'-pre. When all is over I will say who was the person who did it. The reason I didn't speak before is because h*. is a Maori like myself. I did not speak before because I was n the hands of my lawyer who was defending me, and according to Native custom I wanted to defend the man who committed the crime. It is a Native custom to save your own people if possible. This individual bronght me things for which I waa taken to gaol. According to Maori custom, when a man is condemned for what a relative do s, he is to keep silent. Hia name is (name mentioned). It was he who killed him. This is all I have to say. He is the man who gave me the thing's, and he committed the crime. His Honor then addressed the accused as follows : — " Mahi Kahi, you have been found guilty of the crime of murder. You have had a most careiul trial, and a most intelligent jury, and a most able counsel. I certainly agree with the verdict of the jury. The jury have recommended you to mercy on account of your youth, and on account of your beiug of the Native race. That recommendation shall be sent to those who have, if they think fit, the power to act upon it It does not rest with me. I have only to administer the sentence of the law." His Honor then sentenced the prisoner to death. — Press Association.