THE NEW PLYMOUTH MURDER.

Press, Volume XLVII, Issue 7525, 15 April 1890, Page 6

THE NEW PLYMOUTH MURDER.

FUBTHEB DETAILS.

fPR-SB __990G_-._-o_r ____________] • NEW PLTMOUTH, April 14.

A Maori, named Mihi Kai, was charged this morning, in the Police Court, with the miirder of Stephen Maloney, an old man found dead yesterday afternoon in the Becreation Grounds. Inspector Pardy Said the -police had evidence that the accused was seen in the Becreation Grounds on the day of the murder, though he strongly denied that he had been there since Easter Monday. The police were collecting evidence which would go to prove the accused was seen coming from the grounds about the time the murder was supposed to have been committed. He asked for the accused's remand till Monday next. In the meantime an inquest could be held, and perhaps additional light thrown on the deed. The accused was remanded.

The police are trying to get evidence in the murder case, but so far they have nothing of a tangible nature. A handkerchief was found on the prisoner which, it was thought, might afford a clue, as the deceased was supposed to have one identical with it, but this proved incorrect, as the handkerchief could not be identified. From further evidence it appears that the prisoner has been spending money somewhat freely since the time of the murder, and it was known that he had nO money before. He has so far failed to satisfactorily account for the -money. He says his father in Parihaka sent it him, but this is not believed, as he has made several different statements, another one being that his brother • gave him the money. It is now thought probable that the deceased had several pounds in his possession at the time of the murder, as a few days ago he offered to lend a person £5, the offer however not being accepted. The police have ascertained that a girl going to the High School on Friday met a Maori in the Becreation Grounds. The prisoner has not yet been identified by the girl, as she has not seen nun since arrested. She Will be taKen to the Police Station to-morrow for the purpose of identifying him. The funeral of the deceased will take place to-morrow. Subscriptions have been raised for the purpose of giving him a decent burial, otherwise he would have to be buried as a pauper. ■ ■