THE OPUNAKE MURDER.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2409, 6 December 1880, Page 2

THE OPUNAKE MURDER.

SECOND EDITION

MOTIVE OF THE MURDERER. Wellington, Dec. <t. The murderer Tuhi has at length given an intelligible motive for the murder of Miss Dobie. He now says that after he obtained the few shillings from her she told him she would tell the soldiers of his conduct. He resolved to prevent that, as he was afraid he would be arrested, so ho determined to kill her, and did so. Several good authorities on Maori manners have assured me that they are quite satisfied that this is tiie true version, as it is entirely consistent with known facts and with Maori ways. It is the first really intelligible explanation that has been given of the affair, and may bo accepted as the true one. Witnesses are being assembled at Opunake, and will be brought to Wellington early next week. The Hinemoa arrived to-day and landed Tuhi, who was promptly conveyed to gaol. He seemed much struck with the appearance of the town, and uttered several exclamations of admiration as he passed through the streets and saw the shops. He is a stalwart young fellow, standing nearly 6ft. high, and strongly built. His face wore a very defiant, almost derisive expression, as he landed. He several times reiterated his desire to be killed at once, without any more trial, and could not understand why there need be all this trial and trouble after he had confessed. He was received with a doleful tangi by some of his countrymen on landing, One aged Maori woman sang a sort of death song over him, concluding by assuring him that he would soon join his fathers in another world. The day ofttrial is not yet fixed. —“ Press ” Correspondent.