THE MURDERER WYNYARD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XIII, Issue 4459, 28 February 1876, Page 3

THE MURDERER WYNYARD.

The information respecting the murderer Wynyard is still indefinite and contradictory. Although it is most probable that he is in the King country, there is no actual proof that he is there. Several Maoris have reported having seen a man answering to the description given of Wynyard. The Waiiato Times of Saturday last states tbr.t Wynyard was seen on Sunday at Alexandra, and that he was at Te Kniti on the following Friday. These reports, it says, are "perhaps nearer the truth than those which have heretofore gained currency." Our Waikate correspondent, in reference to them, telegraphs that " Wynyard was not seen at Alexandra on Sunday or at Te Kuiti on Friday." On Friday last news was received by the Native Department that Wynyard was at Te Kuiti, and had made a statement respecting the murder. It was reported that he had said he had an accomplice—a half-caste, who had previously been working with him ; that this man struck Packer the first blow, and dug the grave, and so on. Wynyard may possibly have given this version of the affair to the natives, but that is by no means likely, and it is beyond doubt that the account, if given, is untrue. In the first place, it was said that the Maori Wynyard had been at work with the half-caste, and was with him when , the dispute , arose about the money, and when Packer swore at him. The police have made enquiries', and find that Wynyard had. not boen working with any half-caste for some •titiiebefore the murder, and no half-caste is ■missing. 1 Then, it "was the fbpimon .'of Dr. the inquest that the blovrs.Kad 'Veen cause# by a sharp curved instrument,

Buch-as»- the .--Jail-hook.—which,..was -found stained"with, blood, and in'whatsis reported to have been Wynyard's statement, itissa?d that the first blow was struck with an axe. The servant saw Wynyard cross the yard and enter Packer's room, but did not see anyone else. The whole story is a " yarn," and if the officers of the Native Department can de nothing to capture the murderer, they might refrain from spreading "canards." * '