WAIHOU MYSTERY

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 223, 17 June 1936, Page 12

WAIHOU MYSTERY

Police Difficulties With Native Statements

MAORI COUNCIL’S AID

By Telegraph—Press Association

Whangarei, June 16.

An 1 interesting development in the investigation of the murder of Mr. E. S. Nelson, of Waihou Valley, is that the police have enlisted the aid of the Hokianga Maori Council in prosecuting their inquiry. A special committee of local members of the council has been set up and is conducting an inquiry into Mr. Nelson’s death. Mr. Fred Heperi, who is also chairman of the Hokianga Maori 'Council, is presiding over the inquiry, which is being held at the residence of his father, Mr. J. Heperi, one of the leaders of the Mormon Church in New Zealand, whose house is some three or four miles north of Mr. Nelson’s property on the main road.

It is stated by Mr. J. Heperi that last night the police asked the council to conduct the inquiry. The council has special powers conferred upon it uuder an Act of Parliament and is at liberty to question witnesses. All wellknown Natives in the district and all Maoris who it is thought can supply information and who have already been questioned by the police are being further interrogated in their own language, the evidence being taken down by Mr. Fred Heperi. It is expected the council’s proceedings will conclude this evening, when the information obtained will be handed to the police. Investigations regarding the murder now have extended as far as Taheke, while the Maori settlement at Rangiahua continues to be the centre of police activity. The Natives, who have long led a placid and undisturbed life, are feeling a little uneasiness at being brought into the maelstrom of a man hunt, and some have even vacated their premises to take up temporary abodes where their numbers are greater. Many who have been called upon to make statements and further statements have never faced a typewriter before and are inclined to let their sense of the dramatic paint pictures of imagination. There have been instances of fresh matter being introduced in the second, interrogations, contradictions and interpolations leading the police to waste valuable time in pursuing scents which prove to be false.

Yesterday stock was mustered on Mr. Nelson’s property for the purpose of valuation.