BODIES FOUND WITH THROATS CUT

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 80, 28 December 1940, Page 10

BODIES FOUND WITH THROATS CUT

Maori Giri And Man NOTE PRODUCED AT INQUEST (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WANGANUI. December 27. While searching yesterday morning for a Maori girl who was previously reported missing Constable S. 11. Cate. Ohakune. discovered the bodies of a girl, Maimai Rowe. a"'‘d 14. and another Maori, Whakahu Paoranui. known as Charlie Paul, aged 23, in a farmhouse two miles from Pipiriki on the Raetahi Road. The bodies were lying on a bed and the girl’s throat was severely gashed, indicating that, the wound could not have been self-inflicted. Whakahu’s throat was also cut. but the wound was smaller. A blade razor, later identified at the inquest as the property of Whakahu. was found on tlie bed. Notes written by the girl and 'Whakahu, produced at the inquest, indicated that they would “seek happiness in another world." The bandwriting was identified as that of Whakahu and Maimai Rowe. The inquest was adjourned sine die. At the time of the tragedy the occupants of the house were attending Christmas celebrations in the pa at Pipiriki. It is understood that Maimai Rowe lived with relatives near Pipiriki, and she had been keeping company with Whakahu. She left her home shortly before midnight on Christmas Day. and was subsequently reported missing.