A MAORI'S DEATH.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 271, 1 May 1917, Page 3

A MAORI'S DEATH.

The Curse Superstition. The adjourned enquiry into the circumstances attending the death last November at Moeatoa Pah, near Waiuku, of a Maori, named Perekei Kaihau, whose body, as previously reported, was exhumed on the 21st ult, in consequence of rumours current among the natives that foul play had occurred, was held yesterday by the District Coroner (Mr W. J. King) at Waiuku, the police being represented by Sergt. Cowan. The medical evidence previously given, it will b9 remembered, was to to the effect that an examination of the remains indicated that tubercular disease was the cause of death and that there were no marks of vio ence on the body. Yesterday the only witness called was Constable Taylor, of Tuakau, who deposed that when he went to the Pah to make enquiries as to the reports iu circulation the deceased's father and mother informed him that before Perekei died he had been "makutued ", cursed) by a Maori,; uamed Piwa, and that in revenge for the death the father had " makutued " Piwa, who had died ten days later in the Pah. The witness added, with " makutus " being general, he had been informed that no less than ten deaths had occurred in the Pah since November. Ci/nstab'e Taylor further mentioned that the story prevalent among tin natives, whieh had reached the ears of the police, was that Perekei had been hit on the head with an axe or stick, thus bringing about his death. The Coroner expressed the opinion that in view of the suggestions of foul play the police were quite justified in the action they had taken. There was, however, nothing to show that any violence had been used towards the deceased and in accordance with the medical eviden e he would return a verdict that death resulted from natural causes