GISBORNE.

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 2990, 14 September 1878, Page 2

GISBORNE.

Friday. The Waiapu murder case is creating great interest here. The • Coroner's inquest commenred yesterday. Mr "Ward is rstaincd for the defence, and from the evidence it would appear that the only ■crime will be one of manslaughter. : The native prisoner, Peneairene, who jWas charged with rape, is now to be arraigned for murder. The Court sat till : late last night, being delayed by one of the witnesses fainting under cross-' 'examination, It will probably last a iweek.'/ :,. .'. ■■ .. .■•■ ..■■. ;.',.. :■; .... ' :;■-., „■•■-■

| the Borough Council elections yesterday caused intense excitement. There were seven candidates for three seats. After a close contest Capt. Porter Go* vernment Native Agent, F. W. Ward, 'solicitor, and W. Adair, old' councillors, were returned. A large amount of money changed hands. . This day." Later.—T*ie "Waiapu Murder.

At half-past twelve last'night the Jury brought in the following verdict: " That the said Hiria Whakaaru, on the 28th August, 1878, on a terrace above the Waiatauto Creek, near Te Awanui, was found dead, ther 3 appearing marks of violence on and inside her body, said marks being, in the opinion .of the Jr'ors, inflicted by Henare Fete and Peneamene, which caused her to die." They also made this presentment— -" .-.That the action taken by the committee (Native) at Wal6mata*ca relative to investigating the cause of death of the deceased is worthy of the highest commendation and praise. Evidence taken before the said committee, and retaken at .this- enquiry, has very much assisted the Jurors in arriving at the verdict. The said Juror* are alecimpressed with the advisability that representation should be made to the Government that action may '; at once be taken to prevent ihe wholesale traffic in spirituous liquors by unlicensed persons so close together in outlying districts, such as where the offence was committed." •