MAORI TRAGEDY

Greymouth Evening Star, 28 December 1940, Page 4

MAORI TRAGEDY

COUPLE DEAD IN FARMHOUSE.

[per press association.]

WANGANUI, December 27. While searching yesterday morning for a Maori girl who was previously reported missing, Constable S. H. Cave, of Ohakune, discovered the bodies of a girl, Maimai Rowe, aged 14, and another Maori, Whakahu Paoranui, known as Charlie Paul, aged 23, in a farmhouse two miles from Pipiriki on the Raetihi road. The bodies were lying on a bed and the girl’s throat was severely gashed, indicating that the wound could not have been self-inflicted. Whakahu s throat was also cut, but the wound was smaller. A blade razor, later identified at the inquest as the property of Whakahu, was found on the bed. . , , Notes written by the girl and Whakahu produced at the inquest indicated that they would “seek 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 Pipii’iki. It is understood that Maimai Rowe lived with relations near Pipiriki and that she had been keeping company with Whakahu. She left her home shortly'before midnight on Christmas Day and was subsequently reported missing.