MOTU MURDER

Greymouth Evening Star, 20 March 1922, Page 2

MOTU MURDER

THE TRIAL OF TOPI. (Per Press Association.) GISBORNE, March 18. In t lie Molu River murder ease Mr. Tisdall, a gunsmith, of Rotorua in cross-examination, said that hi could not say to what iypo - f cartridge the No. 5 shot found in Zarnbukka belonged. Number 5 shot wa.s not a popular size in New Zealand. Detective McLeod said that he had obtained a statement from the accused. Counsel for (he accused objected to this going in. He said the '-tatenient made therein were replies to a Crossexamination through an interpreter. Probably the accused would give lying answers. The Judge held that tho statements wore in order. Constable Neal deposed that when Peeti, the accused’s brother, wa.s arrested, he (l.’eeti) said that it was through the actions of other people that lie was in this trouble. Tho accused, Rutcne, had not replied to the charge. AV hare Matcnga, gave evidence that the accused told him in gaol Il’-H lie shot Zambukka and stole £163 and a watch and that he had pLiutcd llie body. Thu accused told him that his brother had turned on him. Witness received no information about the case except from the accused. To counsel for the accused : In his own case, the Judge had not believed him. He admitted that at tho age of 18 ho was gaoled for rape for ten years, and was then sent to gaol for tw’O years for indecent assault. Subsequently he got one month for lheft and was now serving three years for assault. NEARING THE END. GISBORNE, This Day. The Supreme Court wa.s occupied all tho forenoon by counsels’ addresses in the murder trial. 'The Judge sums up tomorrow. The Court sat till nine o’clock on Saturday night, the principal evidence being that of Whare Hickey, undergoing sentence for assault with intent, who stated that Butene Topi when in the Gisborne gaol awaiting trial had admitted to him that he committed the murder. Counsel for the defence cross-examined at length to show that the witness bore a bad character, having been in gaol for various crimes since he was eighteen year.? of age. Tho case is still proceeding.