A FATAL FIGHT.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIII, Issue 184, 2 August 1912, Page 5

A FATAL FIGHT.

Toxnro Maori »TT.T.*ni.

THE TAUPIRI TBAGEDY.

The death took place at Hamilton lat>» evening of the Maori who was admitted to the hospital in an unconscious condition on Wednesday, suffering from injuries received in a fight at Taupiri on the previous Sunday. The Maori's name was Abraham Ngahiwi, a well-known resident of Hukanui. Our Hamilton correspondent wires that NgaMwi was a well-built and well-educated young man, much respected by all who "knew him. He never regained consciousness after being admitted to the hospital. A detective from Auckland has arrived at Hamilton, but so far no arrest has been made. Ati inquest is to be held. Our Huntly correepondent telegraphs that from information to hand the deceased appears to have become involved in a brawl which took place at Taupiri on Saturday evening. A quarrel arose over a game of pool, and a party of half-a-dozen natives and two Europeans came to blows. A railway employee named Moore was one of those concerned in the quarrel, though it is stated that he only became involved by going to the assistance of a friend. After a. somewhat lively scene in the billiard room, it was arranged that one of the Europeans and NgaUiwi should meet on the following morning and light with bare knuckles, the sum of £5 being wagered between the contestants. The fight took place in a paddock near Taupiri township next day, in the presence of about 30 people. A desperate contest was fought, lasting 35 minutes, at the end of which period the Maori was beaten.

Although terribly punished, Ngahiwi did not at the end of the fight appear to be .suffering serious injury. He wae taken home by his friends, but almost immediately after reaching his residence he became unconscious, and Dr. McDia.rnrid was summoned. Hβ at once ordered the man's removal to the hospital at Hamilton, but the Maori never regained consciousness, and died, as stated, last evening.