SUICIDE PACT SUGGESTED

Evening Star, Issue 23770, 28 December 1940, Page 8

SUICIDE PACT SUGGESTED

MAORI MAH AND GIRL FOUND DEAD

LATTER ONLY FOURTEEN YEARS OLO (Peh United Press Association.] WANGANUI. December 27. While searching yesterday morning for a Maori girl who was reported missing. Constable S. H. Cave, of Oliakuue, discovered the bodies of the girl, Maimai Rowe, aged 14, and another Maori, Whakahu Paorauui, known as Charlie Paul, aged 23, in a farmhouse two miles from Pipiriki on the Raetihi road. ’ , , i TTio bodies were lying on a bod and the girl’s throat was severely gashed, suggesting that tho wound could not have been self-inflicted. Whakahu s throat was also cut, but the wound was smaller. A blade razor, later identified at tho inquest as the property of Whakahu, was found on the bed. Notes written by the girl and Whakahu which were produced at the inquest indicated that they would be “ seeking happiness in . another world.” The handwriting 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 that she had been ■ keeping company with Whakahu. She left her homo shortly before midnight on Christmas Day, and was subsequently reported missing.