MURDER OF JOHN McLEAN (TELEGRAMS RELATIVE TO, AT SURVEY CAMP, MOMOHAKI, ON 19TH SEPTEMBER, 1878).

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1878 Session I, G-11

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1878. NEW ZEALAND.

MURDER OF JOHN McLEAN (TELEGRAMS RELATIVE TO, AT SURVEY CAMP, MOMOHAKI, ON 19TH SEPTEMBER, 1878).

Laid upon the Table by the Hon. Mr. Sheehan, ivith the leave of the House.

No. 1. Captain Wrat to the Hon. the Native Minister. (Telegram.) Waverley, 21st September, 1878, 3.40 p.m. Inquest held to-day at Waverley on body of John McLean, cook to survey party, Momohaki, who was shot on 19th September, at Survey Camp. Verdict: " Wilful murder against persons unknown." Suspicion points to Native Hiroki, of Papatupu, Waitotara, who is said to have fled. Information against Hiroki now being laid by police, and warrant issued for his apprehension. C. A. Wrat, E.M., The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. Coroner.

No. 2. Mr. E. Tregear to the Hon. the Native Minister. (Telegram.) Patea, 21st September, 1878, 4.33 p.m. Man of Praser's survey party found shot dead, supposed by Natives, as powder and bullets taken from camp. Praser (my partner) was surveying Momohaki Block, near Wairoa, for Government. The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. Edw. Tregeab.

No. 3. The Hon. the Native Minister to Captain Wrat. (Telegram.) Wellington, 22nd September, 1878. PiEASE telegraph through at once the evidence taken at the inquest on the body of John McLean, together with all other particulars that may have transpired since your telegram of last evening. Please ascertain and report how it has happened that this office has been left for so long a period uninformed of so serious a matter; also, give me your own opinion as to whether or not the offence was an ordinary murder, or committed with the intention of obstructing the survey ; also, whether it was the uninspired act of an individual, or done with the knowledge or tacit approval of the tribe. Let me have the matters required above at once, and, in case anything further should transpire, the wire may be used without delay. The following Telegraph Offices will be open all day: Wellington, Wanganui, Waitotara, Patea, Hawera, Opunake; so that you can communicate with any of these places, if circumstances render it necessary. Please wire fully, for, although I attach no political significance to the offence, the public will be anxious to have the most reliable information. Captain Wray, E.M., Patea. John Sheehan.

No. 4 The Hon. the Native Minister to Mr. Woon, E.M. (Telegram.) ■Wellington, 22nd September, 1878. The following telegrams were received by me last evening : — " Waverley, 21st September, 1878, 3.40 p.m. " Inquest held to-day at Waverley on body of John McLean, cook to survey party, Momohaki, who ■was shot on 19th September, at Survey Camp. Verdict : ' Wilful murder against person unknown.' Suspicion points to Native Hiroki, of Papatupu, Waitotara, who is said to have fled. Information against Hiroki now being laid by police, and warrant issued for his apprehension. —C. A. Wrat, R.M., Coroner, Patea."

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(Telegram.) " Patea, 21st September, 1878. " Man of Fraser's survey party found shot dead, supposed by Natives, as powder and bullets taken from camp. Eraser (my partner) was surveying Momohaki Block, near Wairoa, for Government. — Edw. Tregear.—The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington." You will be good enough to let me know anything that may have come to your knowledge respecting this matter other than as contained in the foregoing telegrams. Information particularly required on the following points: Whether or not the offence may be regarded as a murder pure and simple, or as having any connection with the surveys now going on. Secondly, whether any rumours had previously reached you indicating any intention on the part of any body of Natives to commit such au act of violeuce. Whether the alleged offender is known to you ; also, his character aud position in tho tribe. Whether you have received any information as to the direction in which he is supposed to have fled. Whether any alarm exists among tho European inhabitants of your district in consequence of this offence. Please note that the following offices will be open all day: Wellington, Wanganui, Waitotara, Waverley, Patea, Hawera, and Opunake. His right name is Wiremu Hiroki. He is a Waikato, married to a Pipiriki woman, and has no claim to the land. Waitotara Natives imagine that he will make for Waikato. He is a stiff built young man, a little over five feet high, without hair or tatoo on his face. The name of an ancestor is tatooed on right arm. Any important particulars that you may receive that will throw any light on the commission of the offence or the movements of the supposed murderer should be wired to the other offices at once. J. Sheehan.

No. 5. Telegrams from the Hon. the Native Minister. Wellington, 22nd September, 1878. To Captain Wilson, Hawera. —Eepeat copy of wire to E. Woon, E.M.—J. Sheehan. Wellington, 22nd September, 1878. To Deputy-Inspector, Police, Wanganui.—Eepeat copy of wire to E. Woon, E.M. —J. Sheehan. Wellington, 22nd September, 1878. To Constable, Police, Waitotara. —Eepeat copy of wire to E. Woon, E.M. —J. Sheehan. Wellington, 22nd September, 1878. To J. Southcombe, Waitotara. —Eepeat copy of wire to E. Woon, E.M.—J. Sheehan. Wellington, 22nd September, 1878. To Constable Burrows, Waverley. —Eepeat copy of wire to E. Woon, E.M. —J. Sheehan. Wellington, 22ud September, 1878. To Officer in charge A.C., Opunake.—Eepeat copy of wire to E. Woon, E.M.—J. Sheehan. (Telegram.) Government Buildings, 22nd September, 1878. To Chief Officer of Police, Waitara. —Forward accompanying telegram to Eewi Maniapoto by special messengers to Waihi as soon as received. J. Sheehan. [Translation.] Government Buildings, 22nd September, 1878. To Eewi Maniapoto, Patea.—l have just received a telegraphic message from the surveyor who is surveying Momohaki, Patea. lam inquiring into the matter, and I will let you know further to-morrow. This is the surveyor's telegram : " Man of Eraser's survey party found shot dead, supposed by Natives, as powder and bullets taken from camp. Eraser (my partner) was surveying Momohaki Block, near Wairoa, for Government. —E. Tregeau." J. Sheehan. [Translation.] Wellington, 22nd September, 1878. To Hone Pihama, Wanganui.—The Ngarauru will meet me to-day at my house. The object of their meeting is to repudiate any complicity on their part in the murder of the European who was killed at Momohaki. With regard to Hiroki, they say that he is not a Ngarauru, and that there was no question affecting the land to cause that murder. Now, I think that the Pakaraka people should meet, aud that they ought to repudiate any complicity in the murder. This will then put matters clear between the Europeans and the Natives. The Telegraph Offices are open now at Wellington, Wanganui, Waitotara, Patea, AVaverley, Opunake. If you hear news wire to me. J. SnEEHAN. [Translation.] Wellington, 22nd September, 1878. To Te Huritau Hurutara, Papatupu, Waitotara. —Telegraph to me all that you know about the murder of the European —the cook of the surveyors at Papatupu. J. Sheehan,

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No. 6. Sub-Inspector Goodall to the Hon. the Native Minister. (Telegram.) Wanganui, 22nd September, 1878. Have heard nothing whatever of murder of John McLean near Waverley, except from Herald newspaper report of last evening. Scene of murder is not in my district, hence local police have not reported to me. That district is in charge of officer at New Plymouth. Officer at Waihi is nearer than New Plymouth. Offender is unknown to me ; have received no information of the route he has taken. Am unable to give any further information ou the points named in your telegram. S. Goodall, The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. Sub-Inspector.

No. 7. Sub-Inspector Goodall to the Hon. the Native Minister. (Telegram.) Wanganui, 22nd September, 1878. People here are not alarmed. Newspaper reports say it is a private murder, and not connected with surveys. S, Goodall, The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. Sub-Inspector,

No. 8. Mr. E. W. Woon to the Hon. the Native Ministeb. (Telegram.) Wanganui, 22nd September, 1878. He Wairoa murder : Eirst heard of matter by reading telegram in last night's Herald. No rumours had reached me previously indicating any intention on the part of Natives to commit such violence. Alleged offender unknown to me ; no information as to where he has fled. No alarm here yet. I will make due inquiry as to the nature of the offence in connection with the surveys, and let you know. Seems to me rather like a simple murder, although the matter looks suspicious as coupled with the survey of the confiscated laud. Last Wednesday, on way down river, met Paiaka's party on way home, and they reported that ammunition-cart had left Wanganui for Waimate, as survey would be resisted, if Te Whiti so ordered it. Saw Paiaka in town, aud we both treated it as an idle rumour, as previous one about Titokowaru and rebuilding of Nga-utu-o-te-manu Pa. I shall at once institute inquiries amongst the Natives, and procure all the information I can on the subject, and inform you forthwith. The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. E. W. Woon, E.M.

No. 9. Captain Wilson to the Hon. the Native Minister. (Telegram.) Hawera, 22nd September, 1878. Heard rumour last evening of man being murdered. Telegraphed to Captain Wray this morning to ascertain if true. Eoceived reply, "J. McLean murdered ; Hiroki suspected, and warrant out for him. Supposed to have fled King country." I telegraphed Sub-Inspector Kenny to say that supposed murderer would probably go by one of the bush tracks between this and Patea. If so, he would have to pass White Cliffs Police Station. I would have gone to Waitotara myself, but do not feel justified in leaving Waimato Plains surveys in case of any excitement on receipt of news; therefore sent for Sergeant Blake, of Native Police, to go to Waitotara and get all the information he can for the Government. Have heard of no opposition to lead me to suppose murder was in consequence of surveys; if so, those actually surveying would have been victims. Believe it resulted from private quarrel. My work lies chiefly between this aud Stony Eiver. Know little of Waitotara Natives. Do not know the supposed murderer, or his position, and believe that he will go by one of bush tracks between this and Patea, if escaping to King country. Eor that reason telegraphed to Sub-Inspector Kenny re White Cliffs Station. No alarm among settlers, as murder considered result of some private quarrel. P. G. Wilson, The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. Captain, New Zealand Militia.

No. 10. Captain Wrat to the Hon. the Native Minister. (Telegram.) Patea, 22nd September, 1878, 4.20 p.m. The death of John McLean was supposed by surveyors to have resulted from his having accidentally slipped and impaled himself on a stake whilst drawing water out of Momohaki Creek, and evidence of murder did not transpire until after post mortem examination yesterday, when bullet was extracted. Hence affair was not reported earlier. The murder was committed during absence of survey party from camp, deceased being cook, and alone in charge. No evidence throwing light on perpetration elicited from survey party at inquest, beyond the fact that some three weeks previously there had

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been a slight quarrel with Natives about pigs, and a dog which a European of the party charged Hiroki with stealing. The evidence given against Hiroki was merely hearsay, and to the effect that he had been heard to say (not by the witness) some time previously that he would kill Murdoch McLean, a brother of deceased; and, further, that some Natives had stated to witness's mother that Hiroki had told them that be had gone to the survey camp on the 19th, and had quarrelled with the cook, who had fired at him, and that he (Hiroki) had returned the fire, and had shot McLean dead. lam of opinion that the deed, if committed by the Native at all, is without auy political significance, and was not done with the intention of obstructing the survey, but was probably the act of an individual actuated by personal motives, and carried out without the approval or consent of the tribe. Nothing further has transpired, but I am in communication with the police, and will telegraph as soon as I receive report. Hiroki is known personally to Constable Hynes, who has warrant for his apprehension, and who has telegraphed description of Hiroki to District Officer, New Plymouth, and to chief office, Wellington. Hiroki is reported to have made his escape to King country. The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. C. A. Weay.

No. 11. Captain Wray, E.M., to Major Brown. (Telegram.) Patea, 22nd September, 1878, 4.33 p.m. Constable Hynes, who knows Hiroki, telegraphed description to Commissioner, Wellington. Hiroki is supposed to have gone in direction of Taupo or Waikato. I have communicated with Captain AVilson, Hawera, and Captain Kenny, New Plymouth. Major Brown, C.C., Wellington. C. A. Weat, E.M.

No. 12. Hone Piuama to the Hon. the Native Minister. (Telegram.) Wanganui, 22nd September, 1878, 5.30 p.m. Arrived here at 5 p.m. Will leave for Waitotara at 7 p.m. The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. Hone Pihaaia.

No. 13. Captain Wrat, E.M., to the Hon. the Native Minister. (Telegram.) Patea, 22nd September, 1878, 7 p.m. Constable Htnes, Waitotara, telegraphs that he has interviewed the Papatupu Natives, who say they have not seen Hiroki since day of murder, and that he has fled to Waikato, where he originally belonged. There is a report that Hiroki is in bush behind Papatupu pa, or has gone to a village about twenty miles up Waitotara Eiver. It might have a good effect to send Captain Wilson with some Native police, and Constable Hynes with warrant to search localities indicated. If you approve, please give instructions accordingly. I shall be at Hawera to-morrow, but will accompany police, if expedient. The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. C. A. Weat, E.M.

No. 14. Constable Hynes to the Hon. the Native Minister. Waitotara, 23rd September, 1878, 7 a.m. He murder of cook of survey party : The Natives tell me that the native Hiroki has, they believe, fled to Waikato, as his mother lives there ; that there is no political significance to be attached to it. He had no reason for doing it that they are aware of. He is a man of a very bad character :isof a thievish nature. The whole of the Natives came in from Papatupu this morning, and told me they wereverymuch cut up about it, and asked me what they were to do, as they were afraid to live up the river for fear the pakeha would shoot them down if they caught them prowling about. I told them to go home, and have no fear, as Hiroki was pretty well known to Europeans about. They have gone home, and promised to give him up if he attempts to come back ; also, to let me know if he is in the neighbourhood. The Natives here deny all knowledge, act, or part in the murder. Jos. E. Hynes, The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. District Constable.

No. 15. Te Wieihana to the Hon. the Native Minister. [Translation.] (Telegram.) Waitotara, 23rd September, 1878, 8.35 a.m. Eriend, —It is true that the European was killed by Hiroki at Papatangi. He was a Government man. The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. Te Wieihana,

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No. 16. Manga Maniapoto to the Hon. the Native Minister. [Translation.] (Telegram.) Waitara, 23rd September, 1878, 9 a.m. Erlend, —I have received your telegram apprising me of the killing of a European by a Maori. Eriend, lam very dark about this news. Let me know all the particulars about this trouble. The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. Manga Maniapoto.

No. 17. Huri Tau and Another to the Hon. the Native Minister. [Translation.] (Telegram.) Waitotara, 23rd September, 1878, 9.6 a.m. It was Hiroki who committed the murder. That man has not been seen by us since the murder. That man is not to be found. The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. Huei Tau and Another.

No. 18. Mr. H. P. Mason to the Hon. the Native Minister. (Telegram.) Waverley, 23rd September, 1878, 9.30 a.m. Public meeting re murder of McLean, Resolved, " That, whilst indorsing verdict of jury, have reason, from concurrent circumstances, to believe that the murder was committed by a Maori or Maoris from political motives or for private revenge, and that Government be earnestly urged to take immediate steps for the discovery of the perpetrator ; also, that Government be petitioned to offer a reward for the apprehension and conviction of the murderer, which the meeting will take steps to suppl«ment." H. E. Mason, The Hon. the Native Minister, Government Buildings. Chairman of Meeting.

No. 19. Te TTranga Kaiwhaee to the Hon. the Native Minister. [Translation.] (Telegram.) Waitotara, 23rd September, 1878, 12.3 p.m. A European has been killed at Momohaki. He was shot by Hiroki. I want to go in search of that murderer. Do you reply. My policeman is Tio Punohi. The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. Te TJranga Kaiwhaee.

No. 20. Sub-Inspector Harrison to the Hon. the Native Minister. (Telegram.) Opunake, 23rd September, 1878, 12.9 p.m. Hiroki well known to Oeo Natives ; belongs to Ngatipoua, hapu of Ngaraura. Not of any note. Has claims to land, and has always been obstinate about it. Eepeatedly urged by his tribe to leave the land to Government, and go to Parihaka, where they are now living. His wife is living with halfcaste named Bishop, at Harnett Bush. It is thought he will not make this way, but by Upper Wanganui to Waikato. No alarm here, as murder not sanctioned by tribe. Description of him given bj Natives agrees with your telegram. H. K. Harrison, The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. Sub-Inspector, Armed Constabulary.

No. 21. Mr. Woon to the Hon. the Native Minister. (Telegram.) Wanganui, 23rd September, 1878, 12.45 p.m. Wieemu Hiroki well known to Wanganui Natives. Wife's name Herera; her mother, Tarare, belongs to Nguratu; her father, Katene, belonged to Pipiriki, killed at Moutoua. Hiroki's father, Hohepa, of Ngaraura, formerly enslaved by the Waikatos; Hiroki's mother, Amiria, a Waikato womau; Hohepa bought her for a guv at Waikato, she being a slave, and brought her to Waitotara, where Hiroki was bom, who is a young man about twenty-three. Shall I send messenger to Pipiriki by canoe to inform assessors and police, and offer a reward for capture of Hiroki, who might make for up-river district, although he could get to Taupo or Waikato by way of Waitotara, Paranga, Eakau, and Tuhua. If you authorize expenses I [will] despatch a canoe with three men to-morrow to Pepiraka [Pipiriki?]. I am still of opinion that it is a murder [pure] and simple, although there is cause for apprehension that it may be otherwise, judging from the past. The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. E. W. Woon, E.M.

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No. 22. The Hon. the Native Minister to Eewi Maniapoto. Government Buildings, 23rd September, 1878. Feiend Manga,-Your wire about the European who has been killed at Waitotara has been received and I have hfard later news since I sent to you. This is what Captain Wray, the officer who inquired into the matter, says, — _-."»» i [Captain Wray s Message.] " Tou will observe that the murder has not been absolutely discovered, but that Hiroki has run away. For this reason it is thought that he is the murderer, and by-and-by it will be found out that the murder was committed by Hiroki." n Eewi Maniapoto, Waitara. J- »HE™AN-

No. 23. The Hon. the Native Minister and Others to Aperahama Tamaipaeia. (Telegram.) Wellington, 23rd September, 1878. Friend —Wo have had a meeting at Wellington about the European who is dead. We want the man apprehended. We have selected for that purpose Wirihana, Huritau, Moetapapa, Heremia, and Ngawini We hope that they will use their best endeavours to catch him. Do you tell them to be speedy in catching that man. We are very dark about this trouble which has occurred in our absence. Tell us if they go Tapa, Te Keepa, and Uhu. Aperahama Tamaiparia, Waitotara. J- Sheehan.

No. 24. Hone Pihama to the Hon. the Native Minister. (Telegram ) Waitotara, 23rd September, 1878. The people have all assembled. They are all distressed on account of the crime of that man Hiroki; all the people know of it. If he did it it was that he might steal some of the goods of the Europeans That man will soon be caught and imprisoned ; the people are at work. I want to know what is to be done. That man is up on the hills. Eeply at once. The Hon. the Native Minister. Uote Uhama.

By Authority : Q-bosoe Didsb toy, GoTernment Printer, Wellington. —1878. Prica 6d.]