HUNTLEY. Murder by the Maoris.

Waikato Times, Volume XV, Issue 1270, 19 August 1880, Page 2

HUNTLEY. Murder by the Maoris.

An old Maori man named Hone has been murdered- under .the following--eboum-gtances: — Ifc seems that the old man in question belonged to the Ngapuhi, but has resided with the Natihapes, Lower Waikato, for many years, and by them he was looked upon as a slave. It was suspected that he possessed the power of a " makutu," that is, of bewitching, and he is said to have caused great trouble amongst them. The Maoris had frequent meetings to consider how Hone was to be got rid of, and, although many suggestions were made, no one cared to take the initiative. Some .three months ago two of the Ngatihapes, named respectively Rapoto and Toe, were going out pighunting, and they pressed the old man Hone to go with them. He consented. They (the three) started, and after travelling some distance Indian file— Toe in front, Hone in the centre, and Eapoto behind— Toe went off the track into the fern, thus giving Rapoto a chance to do the bloody work. Rapot© fired, hitting the old man in the back, but the wound was not mortal, as Hone ran crying he was being murdered, and that he would " makutu " (bewitch) them all. Rapoto, however, reloaded his gun, and, following the poor old fellow up, shot him dead. They then dragged the body into the swamp, where it was trampled in. R?*mo poto and Joe returned to their homes (near Whangape Lake) where they said the old man Hone ran away into the bush, which explanation was considered satisfactory by the other natives. Nothing of the truth transpired until Saturday last, when a native to whom Joe told the above particulars, informed me. I have since iearut that Rapoto and Joe have gone to the HauhaiiM, I believe the above to be strictly true, as I know two of the natives conceived.

A public farewell dinner was given by a number of frionds to Mr "William Pickefct on Thursday night last at the Coal Mine? Hotel, on the occasion of his being removed to To Awamutu, where bis duties as railway lino inspector necessitate hie residing. Mr Pickett has rehided in Himtley for many years, and during tbat time has made many friends. Mr L. B. Harris did the catering in his well-known stylo. "The Queen and Royal Family," "Otir Guest," "Host and Hostess," and sundry other toasts were duly honored, and after a very pleasant evening' the company bid their adieux and wended their way homewards. A meeting was held on the 16th inst.. at the Coal Alines Hotel (Mr J. A. Ealph iv the chair), for the purpose of taking into consideration the advisability of procuring a ferry for crossing the river at this place. The Chairman, in opening the meeting, said tbey were all aware of the necessity for a ferry; the daily increasing traffic rendered it imperative that they (should have one. During the list three months two persons narrowly escaped drowning through having to cross the river in unsafe canoes or boats. He would call upon Mr L. B. Harris to propose the first resolution. After some remu-ks Mr Harris proposed the following res jlution :— " That this meeting do appoint Mr J. A. Ralph, Mr J. Speiu-er, ami the movor, to draw up a petition to be forwarded through Mr J. B. Whyte, to the Minister for Public Works, praying that (he Minister will see n't to grant their request, and that he (Mr J. B. Whyte) will use every effort, and, if necess iry, seek the co-operation of the Member for Wiupa to this end." Mr MoGlynu (Manager for the Waikato Coal Company), in seconding the resolution, slid tint a number of miners had to ciosa the liver daily, and it behoved the Government to tike some s>teps to provide for a s ifo mode of crossing, as the present would bomer or later end in a serious accident. The resolution was then put and canicd uuauimously.— [Own Correspondent ]