SUICIDE OF THE MAORI CHIEF TAINUL

News, was brought to town yesterday that the well known Maori chief Ihaia Tainui had committed suicide at the Arahura. The following particulars Were kindly placed in our hands by the Police : A Maori known as Wm. Williams brought word this morning, that Ihaia Taiuui was found hanging in the meeting house at "Maori Pah," Arahura, this morning. The Native Commissioners had a meeting at Arahura on Saturday, and Tainui then appeared quite well and agreed to meet the Commissioners to-day at the Upper Crossing. When Williams went to call him this morning he conld not find him, but at last discovered him hanging at the meeting house, and came in to report it to Mr Mackay, who states i that it would suit him and Mr Vincent best if they are required for the inquest, to have it at ten o'clock to-morrow.

Detective Quinn has been sent to enquire, and found the body hanging as stated. Another Maori named Penny stopped in the house with Tainui, but noticed nothing wrong, and did not miss him this morning until he was fonnd dead. A Maori named George found some papers on a table in the sitting room, they are dated the 19th inst,, and the Maoris say he gives his reason for hanging himself in them.

The following are the translations of the letters referred to above:— October I9tb, 1885. Do not blame any body for my death. I hunged myself; this ia punishment for my misdeeds in dealing wrongfully with land and appropriating the money. I have not slept till 5 o'clock this morning. October 19tb, 1885.

Farewell my dutiful wife and children and my grandchildren. I wish the money coming to me from the Native Trnst Fund ia future, to be given to my wife for her own and my children's benefit. The inquest will take place thia morning at ten o'clock.