CUMDIGGER MURDERED.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 143473, 21 April 1911, Page 3

CUMDIGGER MURDERED.

THE BODY RECOVERED. Per Press Association. * AUCKLAND, April 20. A message from Whakapara states that the body of the murdered gumdigger, John Freeman, was recovered in the Pnhipuhi forest to-day by Sergeant Moore. The prisoner, a stalwart Maori youth of about 18, described as a “ne’er-do-well,” led the party to the spot. The head was practically smashed to pulp and the body was in an advanced state of decomposition. It is stated that the tragedy occurred on April 5, and that Freemap, who left his whare that day to go gUmdigging, was followed by the Maori into the bush. The Maori accosttvl Freeman, who appears to have resented this and defended himself with a gum spear, The prisoner is supposed to have struck Freeman on the side of the head violently with a stick, felling him, afterwards dealing two murderous blows while the man was on the ground. The prisoner afterwards spent money freely in the locality and at Kaikohe,, where from a statement ho made to other natives suspicion was aroused, causing his arrest. THE FINDING OF THE BODY. AUCKLAND, April 21. With Tahi Kaka in close custody the police travelled into the heart of the bush over precipitous tracks to a deep gully down which Kaka confessed having thrown the body after murdering Freeman with a stick on ridge above while ,thc victim was engaged in gumdigging. The murder occurred on the ,sth inst. The remains were in such a decomposed state that the head had fallen from the trunk, the skull having been frightfully battered. Kaka showed callous unconcern and actually offered to help the police in ' their gruesome duties. The remains were placed on an improvised stretcher and conveyed to .Hikuraugi, thence into Whangarei by train.' The prisoner was brought down at the same time. He was apparently totally unconcerned. The inquest opens tq-day and will probably be adjourned'until Monday pending the presence of important witnesses.