WAIHOU MURDER

Grey River Argus, 17 June 1936, Page 5

WAIHOU MURDER

A MAORI COUNCIL Assisting the Police UNIQUE FEATURES. (Per Press Association.) WHNGAREU, June 16. An interesting development in theinvestigation of the murder of Nelson is that the police have enlisted the a'd of the Ilokianga Alaori Council in prosecution flip. inquiry. A special committee of local members of the Council has been set up. and is conducting an inquiry into Nelson’s death. Mr Fred llepori, who is also Chairman of the Ilokianga Maori Council, is presiding over the enquiry, which is being held at the residence of his father, Air J. ITeperi, who is one of th,, loaders of the Alormon Church in New Zealand. The house is some three or four miles north of -(Nelson’s property, on the main road. It is stated by Mr J. ITeperi that, last night, the police asked the Council to conduct an inquiry. This Council has special powers conferred upon it under tin Act of PaiTament, ami it is at liberty to question witnesses. Al! of the well-known natives in the district, and all of Ihe Afaoris who. it is ’bought, can supply information, and who have already been questioned by the police nro be'ng further interrogated in their own language. The evidence is being taken down by Fred TTepoi'i. Tt is expected that the Council proceedings will conclude this evening, when the information obtained will be handed to the police. Thf, investigation of the murder has now extended as far as Tahoke, while the Alaori settlement at Rangiahua continues to be the centre of police activity. Natives who have long led a placid, und'sturbed life, are feeling a little uneasiness in being brought into the maelstrom of a man hunt, and some of them have even vacated their premises to take up temporary abodes where the numbers are greater. Afany of the natives who have been called upon for statements and for further statements have never faced a tvpcwriter before l . anil they are inclined to let their sense of the dram'atie paint pictures of the imagination. There have been instances of fresh matter being introduced in second interrogations, contradictions, and interpolations; those leading, the police jo waste valuable. time in pursu ng scents which prove to be false. Yesterday the stock was mustered in Nelson's property for the purpose of valuation.