MURDER A TRIBAL CUSTOM

Evening Star, Issue 17958, 3 May 1922, Page 3

MURDER A TRIBAL CUSTOM

ABORIGINE’S REVENGE. A remarkable trial has just been concluded (wrote the Melbourne ‘ Argus's' correspondent from Adda ds on April 12). A native. Wangai urra, killed a lubra, in accordance with tribal custom, because be suspected her witchcraft to have been responsible for the death of his lubm and two piccaninnies, who died of poisoning. The tragedy occurred some hundreds oi miles from Oodnadatta, in the far north. A mounted constable, a trooper, and a tracker spent a fortnight hunting for WnngacuiTU, who was eventually caught with the aid of a station hand. Wnngaenrra led the patty to the scene of tho murder, where a skull was found. The party then headed for Oodnadatta, distant six, days' journey, and ran dangerously short of water. Only Wangacurra could save the party in this waterless country, but he refused to lead it to water. His only supply of water was therefore cut off, and this had the desired effect.. So Boon as he became thirsty he .led the troopers ac-roes country te a water hole, where the party filled tho water bags. They all reached Oodnadatia without further misfortune. Wangacurra, it was staled, admitted to the police when apprehended that ho wounded the inbra first with a boomerang, and completed the murder with a “yam slick.” Do said that he did not cave if the Government did take nim, as otherwise tho blackfoilowo probably would. He preceded his cmfossion by the slatemeat, “Yes, I Icllim true.’ At the scene of the murder were found a broken hoi morang ami spear. At the trial at Port Augusta. Wangacurra w;i,s found guilty and sentenced to death. Mr Justice Boole said that he would make a strong recommendation to mercy to the authorities, in consideration of tne wet that Wangacurra committed the crime in accordance with tribal custom. An appeal to the Full Court was made by the prisoner’s counsel, who submitted that certain evidence was wrongly admitted, and that the prisoner made to the arresting constable a confession which was used against him without his having understood the caution previously admimsUrcd. The judges decided against the submission, and expressed tho opinion, that the accused thoroughly understood tho caution. The appeal was dismissed.