DOUBLE MURDER IN FIJI.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 115, 16 May 1901, Page 2

DOUBLE MURDER IN FIJI.

TWO WOMEN HACKED TO DEATH,

On Tuesday, the 7th inst.. some excitement was caused at Suva, Fiji, by the report that a murder had been committed at n place called Naselai, on the T.ewa River. On enquiry, it proved that the report was only too true. It appears that a coolie named Suinarain, a transferee from Labasa. j sought tbe affections of a married j coolie woman during her husband's absence. His affections were apparently reciprocated, as another coolie female, passing n little wbile after, saw tbe two coming out of tbe bouse together. She remonstrated with them, and threatened to inform tbe husband, who was away in Suva. Tbe man then asked them to come into tbe bouse, and tbe three entered. Tie then commenced to sharpen a knife, saying be was going out to get. some native food. When be bad sharpened j the knife to bis satisfaction be went to the woman, whom he bad first met, and with onf> slash of tbe knife severed her bead from ber body. Tbe other woman then rushed outside, with the man chasing ber. She was caught within one hundred yards and taken back to the bouse after some trouble. Tbe man all the time had the knife with him. and was slashing her about tbe arms and bead. When he eventually got her to tbe dwelling he almost repeated tbe first performance, only leaving the head hanging by a small piece of skin. Not satisfied with the morning's work, he proceeded outside and chased another woman, who had apparently witnessed the previous performance; but, fortunately, she evaded him. He then cleaned his knife, changed his clothes, and prepared some Fiji grog, and was apparently enjoying himself when Native Constable Kene appeared and arrested him without much trouble.

Upon proceeding to tbe bouse a ghastly sight met tbe gaze. The first woman's head was completely severed from the trunk, and the second was hacked and slashed about in a horrible manner. Tbe left hand was hanging by a thread, the right arm slashed, about fifteen wounds on her head, which was almost severed from tbe body. Tbe man, who is a wellknown character at Labasa, where be has often been in trouble, was eventually taken to Nadnmlonlou. He preserved a stolid silence.

A magisterial enquiry will be held.