SUPPOSED MURDER OF MR. BROUGHTON.

Lyttelton Times, Issue 1510, 14 October 1865, Page 2

SUPPOSED MURDER OF MR. BROUGHTON.

CFrom the Wanganui Chronicle t Oct. 5.)

Last week Mr. C. W. Broughton, who has of iaie been acting as interpreter to the forces, was sent out to Patea by Brigadier-General Wiuiilv, in consequence of a letter sent in from Kakarainea that had been found stuck on a pole, near that camp, and which was signed by six Hau-haus, who asked an interview. He left by tiie Uundagai on Friday, taking with him a native named Wi Puka. They arrived at Patea at 4 p.m., on that day, and started off at 5 p.m. to Kakarainea, where they slept. About 11 am. on Saturday they saw a tnan come out from a bush, about a mile distant, with a white flag. They went to meet the man, being accompanied by an officer. They met on a hill, on the other side of a bridge over the Makaka, a tributary of the Patea, and had a conversation. The native's name was Atonika, and Mr Broughton was acquainted with him, having apprehended him some time ago in connection with the stealing of a horse. Mr. Broughton asked him to bring a native named Kuka. an old friend of Mr. Brsughton's, who usel to be at Rangitikei. Meanwhile, in his absence, they returned to the pah and had some food, and on the two Maoris coming to the place of meeting, went out and held another conversation, the same officer accompanying them. The pah from which the two natives came is named Hoewaka, and is on the south side of the Patea, about three miles distant from Kakaramea ; on a high ground midway a white flag was hoisted. Mr. Broughton gave Kuka some brandy, tobacco, and biscuits, and Ruka asked him to go to the pah. He said he wished first to know what was the meaning of the words they had written—" Kanohi, kanohi, amaugai, arnangai—(face to face, voice to voice)." Ruka replied that tliev were written because of the Governor's proclamation of peace. Wi Puka objected to Mr. Brough ton's going, on the ground that these natives now worshipped a strange God, and had no compunction in killing any one. Mr. Broughton said, "Return to-morrow, and let me hear what you have to say to my conversation." They returned to Kakarainea. and remained there all night. Next day (Sunday), at nine a.m., the olHcer, Mr. Broughton, and Wi Puka, again went out and met Atonika, who came, accompanied by a young man whom they did not know. Atonika again invited them to the pah, but they objected to go, as Ruka had not come. The young tnan was sent to bring Ruka, and the others returned to Kakarainea. At eleven a.m., the youth returned, and said that Kuka would meet them at a small clump of bush a little further away from Kakarainea. Wi Puka objected ; but the officer and Mr. Broughton went forward with the young man ; and Wi Puka followed at a little distance, and on a different track, and saw another native named Knoka, also known to Mr. Broughton, come down ami join the party. Ruka was not there but Enoka, wiio, as well as his companion had Maori arms but no guns, said that he was at a place further on. and asked thein to go forward. Wi Puka again objected to go further, his suspicions having been excited. At twelve o'clock Ruka came down. They remained talking till two o'clock, when Mr. Broughtou pulled out his watch and said," Well, i shall go, 1 am now convinced that there is no danger." Wi Puka said," No t You will be killed." Mr. Broughton said to the officer and Wi Puka, " You had better return, and 1 will go on." Wi Puka said, •• Well, Ruka, I leave Broughton in your liunda, you will be answerable for him." 4 * All right," said Ruka, and they went away to Hoewaka, the officer and Wi Puka returning to Kakarakmnea. Next morning Wi Puka rose at four o'clock, and saw some fife# about three miles distant. At seven a tn. three shots were fired in rapid oucce»»ion at lioewaka, and immediately afterwards a red flag was hoisted. It was the king's flag. At nine a.m. the white flag on the high point was takeu down. Wi Puka has no doubt that Mr. Broughton has been murdered ; but it is quite possible that he may only have been made a primmer. The firing of the three shots is the circumstance most difficult to account for on the supposition tliut he is alive.

Mb, C. W, Bhouoii ton.—There has l»een no further intelligence regarding our unfortunate townsman. Attempts have been made at communication with the Maoris by means of a white fl.ig, but in vain, and since the news of the Ai.T.C. man being killed, the mobt sanguine are beginning to fear that the opinion of the natives thut Mr. Brougliton is murdered nmy turn out correct, Lieut,Colonel Gorton has offered to head a volunteer expedition to ascertain the truth; but Brigadier-General Waddy is ao fettered by liia instructions that lie cannot move in the matter. The natives woulditlso fonrt u party for the same purpone. 'Would it not be a grace! ul tiling in tho Government to put Major Von Tempsky at their he>»l, if he would undertake the duty ? Wangcmui Chronicle, Uul. 7.