BACKBLOCKS MURDERS

Greymouth Evening Star, 11 October 1934, Page 7

BACKBLOCKS MURDERS

CRIME CUNNINGLY PLANNED WHOLE FAMILY ATTACKED [per press association.] TE KUITI, October 10. A terrible tragedy has been enacted in the Rangitoto district, about 30 miles east of Te Kuiti, where Mr G. M. Davenport, a farmer, his wife and one of his sons were murdered in cold blood, while his mother and another son are in a critical condition in hospital. The murderers planned the crimes with cunning. Edward Davenport, aged 27 years, was clearing a slip on the road. A young Maori went to the residence of Davenport’s parents. Mr and Mrs G. M. Davenport, and he informed the father that Edward had been attacked. The Maori offered his help to run down the assailant. The Maori was given a gun, and with Albert Davenport, another son, aged about 33 years, who was similarly armed, the Maori left the house. Albert Davenport, however, was not heard of again till his dead body was found near a whare, about two miles from where his brother, had been clearing the slip; but there was no sign of the Maori who was given the gun. About 9 o’clock last night, the Te Kuiti police received a ring from Mr Davenport senior, who said that neither of his sons had returned home, and that he was becoming anxious. When Davenport was speaking, communication was suddenly cut off.

The police left Te Kuiti at 9 p.m., and they arrived on the scene at midnight, when they found Edward Davport in an unconscious state below the road level, with a deep scalp wound. On arriving at the homestead, the police found it to be in flames. They also found that both Mr and Mrs Davenport senior, were dead. The police are now scouring the country, which is rough and isolated for travel. The Rangitoto telephone line has been cut. It is thus difficult to obtain any authentic news of the tragedy yet. The police are now bringing the bodies to Te Kuiti. BIG TASK FOR POLICE. TE KUITI, October 11. There are no further developments in the Rangitoto tragedy. A large force of police is camped on the site of the burned homestead, and is scouring the country. The task is difficult on account of the rough nature of the country. The condition of Edward Davenport, the injured man, shows a slight improvement, but his condition is still serious.

An informal inquest on Albert David Davenport was held this morning and adjourned sine die.