THE MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARINCE AT ORAKAU. Suspected Foul Play.

Waikato Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1618, 16 November 1882, Page 2

THE MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARINCE AT ORAKAU. Suspected Foul Play.

TiiE search for the missing man Savage, who was supposed to be drowned about* ten days ago whilst crossing tiie JPunin, still continues. Every bend in, and every nook and corner of this river's devious course, and through innumerable snags, have been searched tor miles by Constables Gillies and Ruddy, A.C., assisted by several settlers, but no trace whatever of the unfortunate man can be found. Much surprise was occasioned here yesterday, when an ugly rumour ran through the township that Savage met with foul play from the natives, that, according to a statement made by a lad named Ben Ward, residing in Kihikihi, who received it, he says, from a native called Maniapoto, who was intoxi- j cated when making the statement, he, Savage, was tomahawked, and thrown | from his horse into the river. I don't think much reliance can be placed in the statement of this drunken native to Ward. However, from the hurried movements of the police yesterday in this neighbourhood, it is quite certaiu they are in possession of tacts in connection n ith the case, which it would be very imprudent at this stage to disclose. — (Kihikihi Correspondent^ yesterday.)

[BY TELEGRAPH. — OWN COKRESI'OXDENT.J Auckland, Last Night. Superintendent Thomson has received telegrams re George iSavage, who was missing from 'Pole's, anil supposed to be drowned in the Puniii. The telegrams are to the effect that on Monday last, the 14tk inst., a native named Manapoto stated in Corboy's hotel, Kihikihi, to a boy named Ben. Ward that a Maori, named Pekikura had murdered Savage and then threw him into the Puniu river. Manapoto made this statement in Maori with winch, however, Ward is perfectly acquainted. Ward at once informed two men, Saunders and John Verner, what the native had said, and the story soon readied the ears of Constable Gillies. He brought Ward and Manapoto together yesterday, w hen the latter denied having made the statement. Ward, however, adhered to his story. The fact of Ward mentioning the nutter to two men immediately after being seen in conversation with the native gives an air oi probability to his disclosure, and the police are inclined to give him credence. I'ekikura is at present on the banks of the Puniu in the King country.