THE MOTU MURDER.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 178, 30 July 1898, Page 5

THE MOTU MURDER.

SUICIDE OF A SUSPECT.

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

GISBORNE, this day.

Joseph Smith, a settler at Motu, who was suspected of the murder of J. K. Scott, was found deiad in his whare yesterday, apparently from the effects of poison. He left the following note on the table: —T am innocent of the murder,of J. X Scott.' [Smith, who gave evidence at .the inquest on.Scott, described himself as a sheep farmer and neighbour of the murdered man: Smith said he last saw Scott alive on Tuesday afternoon. Neither at that or at any other time had witness had unpleasant conversation with Scott and therehad never existed between them any feelings other than those of friendliness. Witness then deposed to finding the body He did.not know deceased had quarrelled with any of his neighbours.] GISBORNE, this day. Joseph Smith was the man who brought the tidings of the murder to the police, and who • conducted the police back to the spot where Scott had been murdered. After the inquest Sergt. Black and Detective. Benjamin intimated their intention of proceeding to Motu to further investgate the crime, and they requested Smith to accompany them. This he did some- I what reluctantly, stating that he | wanted" to go to Gisborne. What discoveries the police officers .made will not be known till they return. Whether Smith, obtained an inkling of their suspicions ■or not it is impossible to say, but when the police went to his whare at 11.30 yesterday morning they found him dead. Smith's body will be brought to Karaka over the rough track on which a week ago the mutilated remains of Scott were borne, and' am inquest will be held at Karaka on Monday morning.