DEATH PACT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 28 December 1940, Page 6

DEATH PACT

MAORI GIRL AND MAN A FARMHOUSE TRAGEDY. POLICEMAN'S GRUESOME DISCOVERY. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WANGANUI, December 27. While searching yesterday morning for a Maori girl who was previously reported missing Constable S. H. Cave, Ohakune, discovered the bodies of a girl, Maimai Rowe, aged 14. and another Maori, Whakahu Paoranui. known as Charlie Paul, aged 23. in a farmhouse two miles from Pipiriki on the Raetihi Road. The bodies were lying on a bed and! the girl's throat was severely gashed. I indicating that the wound could noli have been self-inflicted. Whakahu I Paoranui's throat was also cut. but. the! wound was smaller. A blade razor, later identified at the I inquest as the property of Whakahu Paoranui. was found on the bed. Notes written by the girl and Whakahu Paoranui. produced at the inquest indicated that they would “seek happiness in another world." The handwriting was identified as that of Whakahu Paoranui and Maimai Rowe. The inquest was adjourned sine die. At the time of the tragedy the occupants of the house were attending Christmas celebrations in the pa at Pipiriki. It is unflerstood that Maimai Rowe lived with relatives near Pipiriki, and she had bedn keeping company with Whakahu Paoranui. She left her home shortly before midnight on Christmas Day. and was subsequently reported missing.