Tuhi Sentenced to Death

Hawera Star, Volume L, 10 April 1930, Page 20 (Supplement)

Tuhi Sentenced to Death

At the Supreme Coimt on Wednesday, Tuhi’s case was restuned. In addition to his previous confession, Constable Taylor, stationed at Opunake, gave the following statement which was made to him by Tuhi two days before the inquest was held. Tulii said as follows: “I know that I will come to some sudden death in consequence of some dream I had. I saw a man felling a tree on the top of my whare and the whare came -down with the exception of two posts, one at each end and a ridge pole. I knew it was a dream of sudden death, either for me or for some younger relation. I now know that the dream concerns myself.” He also stated: ‘‘l had. no intention of killing the woman when I left.” The Crown Prosecutor and counsel for the defence addressed the jury. The summing-up of the judge commenced a few minutes before 2 p.m. and lasted 20 minutes. The jury retired and after an absence of about a quarter of an horn - , returned a verdict of guilty. The prisoner had nothing to say. His Honour then assumed the black cap and said: Prisoner, it may be that the only motive for the crime of which you have been convicted was that which you told to Constable Taylor. I believe myself that there was no other. From your confession I believe you, have long since repented taking the life of Miss Dobie. If you have not, no words of mine can affect you. I think it well to observe that you have been convicted not onty on European evidence, but also on that of ycur own people; not only of the same race, but also of your own connections. The sentence of the law is that you be taken from here to the place whence you came, and from that to the place of execution, and that you there be hanged by the neck until you are dead. The prisoner was then removed to the gaol. The court was crowded throughout the tidal and great interest was manifested in the result. (‘‘Hawera and Normanby Star,” December 17tli, 1880.)