MURDER CHARGE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 2093, 21 February 1920, Page 3

MURDER CHARGE.

MAORI COMMITTED FOR TRIAL. Ka Haiti, Feb. 10. The Maori, Ilona Horewini, who is charged with the murder of another Maori, named Mei llemi, ( whose body was found in a drain in the Awamii. district last week, appeared before the Magistrate's Court at Kaitaia, the Coroners inquiry being taken tit the same time. It was stated that Hemi was a labourer, twenty-live years of age, working at Awanui. He and a number of other Natives were drinking at the Awanui Hotel on the afternoon of Saturday, 7th February. Deceased had a row with Hergwiui in the back yard of the hotel, and the latter is said to have hit him over the head. The body was picked up by two spectators, and on Thursdav last was found in a drain a short distance away. Evidence of the tight between the deceased and the accused was given by a labourer, Robin King. The two were lighting in the stable, and he and a man named Bert Smith stopped them. Shortly after witness saw accused galloping away, and deceased lying on his face. Dr. Lam gave evidence to the effect that the actual cause of death was a blow on the head causing fracture of the skull. After other evidence had been heard the jury returned a verdict to the elfeel (hat Mei Hemi died as I lie result of a blow on the head, delivered at Awanui on 71 h February, .1 !)20. Accused was committed for trial.