THE MANGA WHARE MYSTERY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9066, 29 May 1888, Page 5

THE MANGA WHARE MYSTERY.

SUICIDE THOUGHT UNLIKELY.

THE POLICE INVESTIGATING.

[from our own correspondent.

Daroaville, Saturday. The funeral of the unfortunate lady, Mrs. Mary McKenzie, who met with such an untimely end on Sunday night last, took place on Wednesday. Nearly every male resident in the district attended, and from the number present at Mount Wesley Cemetery one would have supposed that the whole of the women in the community' were determined to show their respect to the deceased. Her coffin was literally strewed with.flowers. In the absence of the Rev. Mr. Marshall in Auckland Mr. Harding, sen., conducted the burial service. Very little more information has been gathered regarding the surroundings of this mysterious death. It is, however, satisfactory so far to ascertain that the statement made by Mr. Fred. Hoskings, who was the last person known to have been in her company, has been corroborated in every particular. As stated at the inquest, Miss Larkins proved that she saw Mrs. McKenzie bid " good night" to him at his father's gate, and that she proceeded towards her own abode. His own evidence, that he afterwards went out again to see if his boat was all right at the slip opposite the branch Bank of New Zealand (not the branch railway, as printed in your report of the inquest), and noticed three females pass, is proved to be correct, as I have ascertained that these ladies constituted the "fair portion" of the worthy medico's establishment, and they fully remember having seen him go across to the boat slip as they passed by. The theory propounded that the deceased entered the house after parting with Mr. Hoskings on account of the door being found ajar, although stated by him to nave been locked in his presence, falls short, for the reason that, in all probability, she would have put down her umbrella and hymn-book shown to have been in her possession. The deceased was minding the Rev. Mr. Marshall's house during his absence with his wife on a visit to Auckland. Mr. Marshall returned yesterday, as soon as he hoard of the sad occurrence, and he finds that although nothing whatever has been disturbed on his premises, the hymnbook and umbrella belonging to the deceased are missing. Mr. S. Cooksey and also Mr. W. Marriuer have both made separate diligent search along the river bank at low water, but can discover neither of the articles. Very ugly rumours have gained currency regarding the treatment deceased received in hor late employ, amounting, it has been stated, almost to a persecution, but in probing all these through, I find that apparently there is no ground for such statement, although it is evident an ill-feeling existed in one of the departments. It is possible that this is capable of explanation. I only give the facts, as stated to mo on what appears reliable authority. One thing is very apparent, the deceased, Mrs. McKenzie, had been some years in tho employ of the Mangawhare store as dressmaker. She became very nervous and uncomfortable after the outrage committed on her premises during her absence One evening in March last, and wishing to leave the locality in consequence of her fears. She gave notice, which was accepted with a few cordial remarks. The deceased was about to remove to premises at Dargaville, and had sent her effects on to where she had every prospect of success in her trade, over three months' work being already guaranteed. She was applying for apprentices. She has been described as being very cheerful on the Sunday evening, probably owing to her favourable prospects. It is very unlikely, indeed, that under these circumstances she would commit suicide, and in doing so make three agonizing shrieks whilst in tho act.

There are one or two matters in connection with this painful affair that at proscnt appear mysterious, and therefore require to be elucidated. This is being done by the police, who will no doubt have the assistance of the deceased's brother, as I understand he is now on his way hence for this purpose. In the meantime, Constable McLeod has done his best to unfathom everything in connection with the affair, which, however, is still enshrouded in mystery.