THE NATIVE MURDER NEAR GISBORNE.

Evening Star, Issue 7252, 1 July 1887, Page 2

THE NATIVE MURDER NEAR GISBORNE.

The ease against four Maoris for tie murder of Sumia Miku was concluded at Giaborne yesterday, when a verdiot of " Guilty " against the three male Natives Te Hau, Aporo, and Te Uri, and "Not guilty " against the woman was returned. The Chief Justice in passing sentence expressed a hope that it would have an effect on the minds of Natives, and show them that the English law could not be influenced by the faot that they were aotuated by superstition. It was not for him to say whether the Crown would deem it right to oarry out this sentence. Sentence of death was passed in the usual form. Aporo wished to say something, but on commencing was stopped by Uri. The latter appeared indifferent duriDg the trial, but became dejected and under strong emotion when ho heard the result. The prisoners are to be removed to Napier at once. They are all young, being under thirty, and rather a poor type of Maori. Their hapu is inclined to Hauhauism. Te Uri was found guilty as an accessory before the fact. Aporo is supposed to have fired both shots. A nolle prosequi was entered in'the second charge against the same prisoners for the murder of Heriate, the wife of Miku. !