THE MURDER OF THE POOKS. THE CHAIN OF EVIDENCE. Napier, December 14.

Te Aroha News, Volume VI, Issue 326, 19 December 1888, Page 4

THE MURDER OF THE POOKS. THE CHAIN OF EVIDENCE. Napier, December 14.

Inspector Kill*, of Napier, returned from Waipiro this morning. The Inspector states that since Satunlay a great amount of new evidence has been obtained, which, dove-tailing, makes an exceedingly strong case against the man Hairate Peri. There is noo a great deal of evidence to connect Hohepa, his brother, with the crime. The other four natives who were detained were released from custody on Monday, there being no evidence likely to cast suspicion I on them. Inspector Kiely left Sergeant Bullen at Awanui to conduct the case. The Court resumes on Monday, and it will | probably be Tuesday afternoon before the Court adjourns ; then the case will be adjourned to Gisborne for Dr. Pollen's evidence. It was Haira, not Hohepa, as before published, that left Waipiro on the evening of the murder, having been thoroughly cleaned out of cash whilst playing cards. Haira stated that he could bi'ing evidence to prove that he passed Akuaku, between Pook's place and Waipiro, aL two o'clock in the afternoon, but this has been disproved by thB statements ef some children, who say he passed after sundown. Haira also explained that the money he had in his possession was given him by his brother, but this Hohepa deuie?. The possession of the bloodstained knife and sheath which was found by Sir George Whitiuore at Tuparoa, is very condemnatory. The marks on the knife represent; figures in Roman capitals, which being translated into the Maori language give a number corresponding with Haira's name. The figuies are VI. and X., which means "H.P." (Haira Peri). There isalsoevidence of » mate of Haira'.-- >\ ho knows the knife and sheath (an uncommon one) well, and has often seen it m Haira's possession. The suit of clothes worn by Haira when taken had been stolen from a teut at Mr Pickard's. The prisoner states that he bought it from Mr Pooka stoic, but Mrs Neilson recognises it as being of her work, and belonging to Pickard. This suit bore evidence of having been on only a few hours, and an active search brought to light a coat and vest bloodstained, which Haira had been weaiing when he left Akuaku. The trousers were not to be found. It is believed that Hohepa knows something about the butchery, though he will say nothing to implicate his brother. It is not thought he took any part in the actual crime. The evidence of the boot is very strong. Besides the piece worn out in the middle of the sole there is a small piece of the heel off, and this accounts for only a half impression in the blood prints of thut part of the foot. The two accused men are said to have had a talk together in the cell, when Haira wanted Hohepa to say he had given him £2 6s, known to have been in his possession after the murder. Hohepa replied he could not do it, as he had already told them he had not done so. The conference ended by Hohepa saying, "You cannot get clear ; you go your way and I will go mine," or woids to that effect. When playing cards and spending money before the murder, Hohepa's wife remonstrated with birn, and said that was why he could not keep his family. He replied, " Never mind, I will have money and clothes soon." This is said to be the only direct evidence against Hohepa.