Maoris as Sleuths

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 141, 17 June 1936, Page 6

Maoris as Sleuths

Called in to Assist Police INTERESTING DEVELOPMENT IN NELSON MURDER Per Press Association. WHANGAREI, Last Night. An interesting development in (he investigation of the murder of Ernest Nelson, the farmer who was shot on his property, is that the police have enlisted the aid of the Hokianga Maori Council in prosecuting the inquiry. A special committee of local members of the council lias been set up and is conducting an inquiry into the death. Mr. Fred Heperi, who is also chairman of the Hokianga Maori Council, is presiding over the inquiry which is being held at the residence of his father, Mr. J. Heperi, one of the leaders of tho Mormon Church in New Zealand. Tho house is some three or four miles north of Nelson’s property on the main road. It is stated by Mr. J. Heperi that, last night the police asked the council to conduct the inquiry. The council has special powers conferred upon it under Act of Parliament and is at liberty to question witnesses. All the well-known natives in the district and all Maoris who, it is thought, can supply information and who have already been questioned by the police, are being further interrogated in their own language. The evidence is being taken down by Mr. Fred Heperi.

It is expected that the council proceedings will conclude this evening, when the information obtained will be handed to the police. Investigations into the murder have now extended as far as Taheke, while the Maori settlement at Raugiahua continues to be the centre of police activity. The natives who have long led a placid and undisturbed life are feeling a little uneasiness at being brought into the maelstrom of tho man hunt and some have even vacated their premises to take up temporary abodes where the numbers are greater. Many, who have been called upon for statements and further statements, havo never faced a typewriter before and are inclined to Jet their sense of tho dramatic paint pictures of the Imagination. There have been instances of fresh matter being introduced in tho second interrogations, contradictions and interpolations leading the police to waste valuable time in pursuing scents which prove to be false. Yesterday tho stock was mustered on Nelson’s property for tho purpose of valuation.