Murder of a Maori at Te Aroha.

Patea Mail, 15 February 1881, Page 3

Murder of a Maori at Te Aroha.

The Thames Advertiser of the 12th reports tlie murder at Te Aroha of a Maori named Simon, holding a good position, by a Russian named John Procozy, miner, who has been arrested. Blood stains were found on his clothes. The throat of the murdered man was cut from ear to ear. LATER PARTICULARS. The head and face, as well as the spot upon which the body was found, afford strong evidence of a severe struggle, indicating that the unfortunate man was brutally murdered. A Russian Finn, John Procozy, has been arrested on suspicion by Constable Cleary, as he was seen in company of the murdered man late on Thursday evening. Upon searching his person a pocket-knife bearing blood stains was found, and some of his clothing had been washed recently and hung out to dry. It presents the appearance of having been engaged in recent conflict. He denies all knowledge of the crime with which he is charged. Himiona was a strong, well - built fellow of twenty-five years of age. He left Te Aroha on horseback for a Mr Smallman’s place at 11 o’clock on Thursday night. The horse reached home during the night, and the bridle was found fastened securely to one of the stirrup-irons. The coat and hat which he threw off for the purpose of fighting, were found fifty yards away from where the body was picked up. The murder has caused a great commotion at Te Aroha, The natives are assembling in large numbers. John Procozy, who has been arrested on the charge of murder, is a miner working at Te Aroha.