N. AUCKLAND TRAGEDY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 21605, 6 January 1945, Page 4

N. AUCKLAND TRAGEDY

MOTHER OF FIVE DEAD FOUND WOUNDED IN HEAD i P.A.I WI-IA N G ARE I. Jan. G. A tragedy resulting in the death ol Mrs. Mere Paea Aperahama Orikena, aged about 30, the wife of Mr. Aperahama Orikena and the mother of five children, the eldest aged 14 years and •he youngest two. occurred early yesterday morning at Mangamuku bridge, half-way between Okaihau and Kaitaia. The deceased's husband reported that he found his wife at 4 o’clock vesterday morning on the bank of tiie Mangamuku Stream and carried her to a cowshed, 300yds from her residence. She was suffering from lethal wounds in the head and both eyes were badly bruised and closed. She died shortly afterwards. Mr. Orikena is a share-milker employed by Mr. J. R. Crallan and lie and his family lived in a cottage a quarter of a mile from the main highway. access being gained by a private

road. , ... It is stated that a party was held m tire cottage on Thursday night. Constables from Rawcne and Koluikohit wore early on the scene and they were joined before midday by Detec-tive-Sergeant Finlay, Whangarci. and Sergeant Sargent, Kaikohe. ' The inquest was opened yesterday afternoon and after evidence of identification had been given was adjourned sine die. _______