The Waitotara Murder.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2998, 24 September 1878, Page 2

The Waitotara Murder.

(Peb Pbess Agency.)

Wanganui, Monday. Mr Woon has applied to Mr Sheehan, the Native Minister, for authority to; send a canoe with Maori constables up I the Wanganui river to arrest the supposed' murderer of McLean, who is believed to been route for Taupo. The Waitotara track joins the Wanganui river about 70 miles up. » • Wellington, Monday. The Native Minister received to-day further telegrams respecting the murder of McLean. The Waitotara .natives held a meeting, and sent a telegram stating that they believe Hiroki to. be the murderer, and that they are now taking steps to vindioate the law. TELTSGBAM FJBOM EEWI. • Kewi telegraphs today in reply to the Native Minister as follows :— '* Have just received your wire, in which you inform me of the discovery of a body of a European at Waitotara, supposed to have been shot by a Maor?. I, too, am stricken

with, grief at this news. Let me have the fullest possible particulars as soon as yoa can." ■ ' Another telegram informs the Native Minister thafr a public meeting was held at Waverly this morning, ab which rtsoluMobs were passed endorsing the verdict of the jury, and expressing their opinion that the murder was committed by a Maori. They also ask the Government to take steps to arrest the murderer, and to publish a reward for his apprehension. • • The Government hare dispatched telegrams to Atewi, Major Te Wheoro, and Major Sinclair, and all the officers along the line of country through which the murderer would be likely to travel, instructing them to capture the murderer, if possible. ' in commenting upon the murder,, the local press do not consider it has any political importance, or is indicative of any hostile feeling on the part of the Maoris.