MAORI’S TRIAL

Hokitika Guardian, 30 May 1935, Page 4

MAORI’S TRIAL

TARANAKI MURDER CHARGE

WANGANUI, .May 20.

The trial of Rangiruru Ngapaki on a charge of murdering Sam Hauroa, was continued in the Supreme Court yesterday.

Tueroa'Hauroa ; son of the deceased, said he lived at a farm with his father and accused. Accused was normal when he (witness) left to go to the cowshed. Witness saw his father returning from Pa tea op the day of the tragedy. lie heard the accused say, “Get oil the place Sam or else I will kill you.” On going to the house accused said, “I killed Sam to get him out of the road.”

I'°r the defence, Mr Moss said the issue resolved itself to the Question, Was accused insane at the time of the killing 'i If it was proved s o, he should he acquitted, hut found insane. Up tiil 1917, accused was bright and a good athlete, hut following a holiday, a change took place in accused’s brain, and he became lazy and reserved.

A,1 ‘ Moss said that in support of the defence, mental experts would lie called. Tai Ngapaki, In-other of accused, said his hrotho- was good to him, anti was recognised as a good shearer on their farm up till 191(5. From then on a change came over him, and he would do nothing.. In reply to a question, witness said, one of his sisters attempted to drown lieiself on cue occasion.

His Honour said it was eminently proper tlia-t such a case should have Ktn b, ‘ 01l g |lt to trial, and inquired into m a proper way. If the jury accepted the mental experts’ evidence, and he could see no reason why they should not, it wa s the jury's duty to say that the man was not guilty on the grounds -ol“. .insanity.

Without leaving the box, the jury found Ngapaki not guilty, and he was order by His Honour, Mr Justice Callao, to be detained in a. Mental Hospital until the pleasure of the Minister of Justice is known.