OFFENCES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9249, 31 December 1888, Page 10

OFFENCES.

■' AN EAST COAST TRAGEDY. MR. AND MRS. POOKE BUTCHERED. Gisborio:, December 7. The s.s. Australia, which arrived in the Bay last night, brought information that at Waipiro a most atrocious murder had been committed, it is supposed on Wednesday evening, Mr. Frank Pooke, storekeeper at Motahu, with his wife and child, having been found horribly butchered. Mr. .Pooke and his wife we.re dead, but the child, though much mutilat ed, is still alive. Air. Wallis, J.P., visited the spot shortly after the tragedy, and forwarded a report to Mr. Booth, R.M., by the Australia. Mr. Wallis states that Mr. and Airs. Pooke were found lying murdered in their store. The bodies were behind the counter. The husband had his head split open, the wound being evidently inflicted by an axe. The body of Mrs. Pooke was lying across that of her husband. Her head was also split open, and her throat was cut in such a manner that the head was nearly severed from the body. Mr. Pooke's throat was also cut, showing that the murderer was determined to accomplish his diabolical purpose. Their son, aged seven years, was found in an insensible condition, having received a fearful wound in the head, having evidently been struck by the same instrument with which his parents were killed.' An axe and an iron bar covered with blood were found near the bodies.

Air. Wallis had the boy forwarded to Gisborne, and he was brought ashore at one o'clock this morning, and placed under Dr, Pollen's care.

Robbery was the evident motive of the murder. The cash in the place was taken away, and footprints smeared with blood are all over the place. The premises had evidently been ransacked for money and Valuables.

The murderer, it is supposed, had been purchasing goods, as there was a bundle tied up on the counter, and a paper was found with the items and the prices of the articles. Mr. Pooke had apparently been - making up the account. There does not appear to have • been any struggle, as nothing was upset to speak of. As Mr. Pooke was lying full length on the floor, with his wife on top of him, the husband was evidently killed first. It is supposed that while the murderer was searching the house, he came across the boy, and struck him on the head with the axe. The boy's body was discovered lying on the floor, where ho had apparently lain the whole night. Sergeant Villiers lm3 taken charge of the premises. From the class of goods in the parcel, there is good reason to believe that the perpetrator of the murder is a Maori. Mr. Pooke had been to Tokomaru that day, having recently taken an hotel at that place. The same store was broken into by a Maori with an axe in March last, who was

arrested for it, but discharged owing to want of evidence. Mrs. Pooke had frequently applied for protection since, as she has lived a good deal alone, and feared being murdered. Matahu, the scene of the murder, is 74 miles from Gisborne, on the coast. A passenger by the Australia stated that just before leaving Waipiro news was received that a native had been arrested, and the

natives had proceeded inland to arrest three others to whom suspicion was attached, owing to being seen washing clothes in a creek. These four natives belong to W and had been seen about the locality of the store.

December 9. _ A message was wired from Tologa Bay last night stating that on the arrival of the Coroner on Friday a jury was empanelled, and-, a survey made of tho store in which the recent murders were committed. Tho inquest -was then adjourned until next morning. The scene of the murder presented a terrible aspect. Splashes of blood were found all over the store and dwelling. Apparently the instruments used were an iron bar and two new axes. The cash-box had been emptied, and the contents taken.

Fears are entertained that the efforts of the police will be unsuccessful for a time. There is great excitement on the Coast, and a feeling of insecurity amongst the people. Several Maoris have been apprenhonded, but there is little evidence to connect them with the crime.

_ The son of the victims died shortly after six o'clock last evening. The funerals of Mr, and Mrs. Pook took place on December 8 at Waipiro, and that of the child at Gisborne on December 9.

Tologa Bay, December 12. Hohepa te Piri and Hira te Piri, of Akuaku, were charged at Port Awanui on the 10th December, before J. Booth, Esq., R.M., with the crime of the wilful murder of Frank Pook and Jane Pook, and on the application of the police were remanded for eight days.

Napier, December 14. Inspector Kiely, of Napier, returned from Waipiro this morning. The Inspector states that since Saturday a great amount of new evidence has been obtained, which, dove-tailing, makes an 'exceedingly strong case against the man Haira Te Peri, There is not a great deal of evidence to connect Hohepa, his brother, with the crime. The other four natives who were detained were released from custody on Monday, there being no evidence likely to cast suspicion on them. Inspector Kiely left Sergeant Bullen at Awanui to conduct the case.

The possession of the bloodstained knife and sheath, found by Sir George Whitmore at Tuparoa, is very condemnatory. The marks on the knife represent figures in Roman capitals, which being translated into the Maori language give a number corresponding with Haira's name. The figures are VI. and X., which means "H.P." (Haira Peri). There is also evidence of a mate of Haira's who knows the knife and sheath (an uncommon one) well, and has often seen it in Haira's possession. The suit of clothes worn by Haira when taken had been stolen from a tent at Mr. Piekard's. The prisoner states that ho bought it from Mr. Pook's store, but Mrs. Neilson recognises it as being of her work, and belonging to Pickard. This suit bore evidence of having been on only a few hours, and an active search brought to light a coat and vest bloodstained, which Haira had been wearing when ho left Akuaku. The trousers were not to be found. . It is believed that 'Hohepa knows some thing about the butchery, though he will say nothing to implicate his brother. Ib is nob thought he took any part in the actual crime. The evidence of the boot is very strong. Besides the piece worn out in the middle of the sole there is a smal' piece of

the heel off, and this accounts for only a ialf impression in the blood-prints of that? part of the foot. The two accused men are said' to have had a talk together in the cell, when Haira wanted Hohepa to say he had given him £2 , ,6s, known to have been in his' possession after the murder, Hohepa replied he could not do it, as he had already told them he had not done so. The conference ended by Hohepa saying 1 , " You cannot get clear; you go your way and I will go mine," or words to that effect.

When playing cards and spending money [ before the murder, Hohepa's wife remonstrated with him, and said that was why he could not keep his family. He replied, " Never mind, I will have money and clothes soon." This is said to be the only direct evidence against Hohepa. Gisborne, December 21. After a trial lasting from December 17 to December 19, during which a great amount of evidence was presented, the prisoner Hoira Te Peri has been committed for trial for the murder, at Maatahu, of Mr. and Mrs. Pook and their child. Hepa Haira's brother was discharged, there being no evidence to connect him with the crime. Haira was brought to Gisborne from Awanui by the s.s. Australia this morning. He will be brought up at the Supreme Court sittings in March next.

It was absolutely necessary for the carrying on of Air. Pook's business that he should keep beside him a considerable amount of money, as the men employed on the stations near were always paid by cheques. It is thought that the perpetrators of the murder anil robbery must have carried off between £100 and £200. There are a considerable number of persons, both Maoris and Europeans, resident in the neighbourhood of Matuahu. There are native settlements all around, and Sir George Whitmore, Mr. White, and Major Porter have runs in the district.

SHOCKING TRAGEDY IN SWANS ONSTREET. Shortly aften ten p.m. on December 14 the occupants of a block of tenements in Swan-son-street, known as Cowie's Row, were startled by hearing three shots fired in succession in the centre house of the block, and a woman, variously known as Kate Kennedy and Mrs. Patterson, presently ran out of the house declaring that she was shot by Michael McDermott, an old man somj GO years of age, who" resided there. Air. Wright, a next-door neighbour, at once informed Sergeant McMalion, who proceeded to the house and entered it, directing Wright to ring up Dr. Hooper from the Star Hotel telephone, and then inform the other constables on the beat.

The sergeant and Mr. Patrick Neylon entered the house, which was rather miserable in its surroundings, when they found McDermott lying on his bunk with a revolver in his hand. There were two

frightful wounds in the' head, one shot appeared to have gone in "at the left eye, gouging it out, whilst there was a second ghastly wound under the right ear. A bullet hole was found in the headboard, and the bullet, after striking the wall, was found flattened on the floor.

Dr. Hooper probed the wound at . the the ear, bub was unable to locate the position of the bullet. Ha was of opinion that the injuries were likely to prove fatal, and recommended McDermotfc's removal to the Hospital. Meanwhile, Father Hackett had been sent for, and administered spiritual consolation to the injured man, who, notwithstanding the frightful character of his wounds, was perfectly sensible. In the meantime, Constables Russell, Cotter, Grey, and Donovan, and Detective Hughes had arrived, and the latter officer turned his attention to the wounded woman, who had been removed to her residence, Chapel-street. Dr. Hooper went up with Sergeant MeMahon, and on examining the woman she was found to have a bullet wound under her right breast, and which appeared to have made its exit at the left hip. She was perfectly sensible, but complained of considerable pain. Father Madan was called in to attend to her. Two cabs were procured, and McDermott and Mrs. Patterson were removed to the Hospital. McDermott is an old 57th man, 60 i years of age, and a bachelor, and for the ! past ten years has had a handcart in Queen-street. He first became acquainted with Mrs. Patterson, whose husband is said to bo in England, some five years ago. When knocking about she had been occasionally sheltered by him, and she was accustomed to visit him pretty regularly. During the past two years he is said to have got doted, and strange in his mind. He had taken a fancy to the woman, and wanted to marry her, but she refused. According to the statements of the woman's associates, he is said to have threatened to do for her, while others say he threatened to do for himself, as for the last two years his friendship for the woman has unsettled his mind that he could not work, and his means have been dwindling away. His statement is that the woman was annoying him of late, and that some prostitutes were coming to the house and robbing him. That prior to the shooting she had been teasing him, and taking his tobacco and pipe. Mrs. Patterson's version is that there was no quarrel, but that she had asked him for "a drink," and that he put his hand under the pillow of the bed, ad she thought for some money, when he drew out the revolver and fired at hor, wounding her as above described.

McDermott's revolver was % six-bar-relled one, three of the chambers having been recently discharged, and threo of them unloaded. McDermott was perfectly sober at the time, and is said to have been an industrious man. He appears to have been not unkindly disposed to the woman, as recently, it is stated, when sho was lined at the Polico Court for drunkenness he went and paid the fine for her. A telephone, message received from the Hospital at 3.20 a.m. on Dec. 15 stated that the woman had died a few minutes before, and that the condition of her murderer was extremely critical, no hopes being entertained of his recovery. A post mortem of the remains of Mrs. Patterson took place on Dec. 15, when it was discovered that the bullet had penetrated the woman under the right breast, passed through the liver and intestines, and made its exit at the left hip. With regard to McDermott, on being taken to the Hospital on December 14, Dr. Bond, who was surgeon of the lion, medical staff for the week, was rung up at his residence, and proceeded to the Hospital to attend to the case. An examination of McDermott's wounds showed that but one shot had taken effect, the one he had fired in front of his right ear, and that the bullet after traversing the frontal portion of the .skull, leaving the brain proper untouched, had made its exit through the left eye. The third shot must have been aimed at his head and missed it, as the bullet had pierced the headboard of the bed and after being flattened against the partition was found clean and bright by Sergeant McMahon underneath the bed. The doctors, however, now think that he will ultimately recover.

The residence of McDermott is a wretchedlooking place, and was in a dilapidated and filthy condition. Formerly ha was a hardworking industrious man, and had saved about £500, but in an evil hour, pome five years ago, ho became acquainted with Mrs. Patterson, who bore a bad reputation as a woman of loose habits, and a dangerous and designing intriguer. She speedily acquired an influence over him which he could nob shake off. Whenever she and some of her companions were short of money or shelter they made his house a house of call. As might be expected his means began to dwindle away, his mind became unhinged, but although he was fully conscious of his position no had not the force of character to get free of the fatal bondage which the woman had thrown around him. For the past three months he appears to have had no provisions in the house, but to have simply gone out to a Chinese restaurant in the evening, and gob the solitary meal lie permitted himself. He appears to have kept the revolver loaded for months past, apparently for the purposeof committing suicide,and the woman Patterson in one of her visits unloaded the weapon and returned him the revolver. He had paid her lines at the Police Court when she was convicted of drunkenness, but on the last occasion, when sho was fined £5 and costs he refused to pay it, and she went to gaol. On getting out sho again visited him, and, strange to say, asserted her old influence over him. On the afternoon of the tragedy a drunken woman came to his house, and forced her way in, demanding money. He refused, and ejected her, but she became abusive, and attracted a crowd ' md his place. He gave her

some coppers to clear out, and ;; she did so. His impression was that Mrs. Patterson had laid her on to annoy him, and this greatly excited him, and he remarked of Mrs. Patterson, It will be five years ago tomorrow since I got in with that devil; she has cost me £500." , •

Among AlcDermott's effects were found several letters, which show that his mind was ' unhinged. One of them is dated October, 18S8, but is of a fragmentary character. It is evidently written as a sort of memorandum. He says that "he cannot say one word in extenuation of his conduct with that horrible woman, more than that his mind was completely unhinged by the terrific pressure brought to bear over him by the press and stage. The object of the woman was to tempt and disgrace him as much as she could, and that he was prepared to fulfil the requirements of justice. Ho makes reference to the names of other persons, whom he accuses of having duped him. Mr. John Earl, tea merchant, of Queen-street, who cmployed McDermott in past times, states that he has known him for eight years, and enjoyed his confidence. He found him strictly honem in all his dealings, but that a groat change had couie over him within the last three years. Under promise of secrecy McDermott had made statements to Mr. Earl which went to show that he was being made a tool of by others. An inquest was held on December 17 at the Hospital, before Dr. Philson, coroner, William Beehan was chosen foreman of the jury. Inspector Broham conducted the investigation on behalf of the police, and Mr. Brassey appeared "in the interests of the deceased," " Lengthy evidence was given, at the close of which the jury brought in a verdict, ■' That the deceased died from a gunshot wound inflicted by Michael McDermott."

It was pointed out that this was an open verdict, but the jury replied that they did not wish to express an opinion as to the man's sanity. After a little discussion they agreed to add to the verdict the clause, "but whether intentionally or otherwise there is no evidence to show."

A telegram from lnvercargill • (states that a man named Thomas Menzies was found dead in a woolshed with his boots off and a shot through his head. He had committed suicide.

A determined suicide was committed by a shearer named King, while working in a shed at Rangitata Island. He cut his throat with the shears, and attacked the other men with the shears, when they rushed him. He died in the evening. On December 10 Win, Shimeal, stated to be a retired colonel in the United States army, and hailing from Boston, who was a passenger by the mail steamer from San Francisco, was arrested as he was returning on board the mail steamer from the baseball match, by Air. Parker, of H, M, Customs, on a charge of a breach of the Customs Act, by having in his possession four gold watches, value £00, on which duty had not 'been paid. The colonel was subsequently bailed out by two citizens. At the Police Court on the 11th December, the accused was proceeded against. The evidence did not disclose anything to show that the defendant had endeavoured to dispose of the watches. His Worship inflicted the least possible penalty. He said that the defendant might not have intended j anything wrong, but it was the possibilities of what might happen if such practices were overlooked. Tailing into account the trouble and expense to which the defendant would be put by losing his passage lie would inflict a penalty of one-fourth the value of the watches, including duty, with costs, amounting to a total of £5 14s 6d.

Elizabeth Charlotte Allen, alias Pheanster, alias Leo Quee, who had been living with a Chinaman at Round Hill, was charged at the Supreme Court, Invercargill, on Dec. 13, with the manslaughter of her infant child. The accused drank

frequently, leaving the child for long intervals without food. The medical evidence

showed that death had resulted from starvation. A Chinese witness said that the child was ailing and refused nourishment. The jury returned a verdict of guilty, and accused was sentenced to four years' imprisonment.

A young man named Alfred Goodman has committed suicide at Labor Bay, Canterbury, by taking carbolic acid, j . Thomas Gleeson, the burglar, escaped on Friday night, the 21st December, from Dunedin gaol by cutting one end of the bars of his cell window with a knife. He had to climb a wall with broken bottles on the top, but there is no trace of blood. At ton o'clock, when the warder visited the cells, he reported all right, and he reported so to the gaoler at half-past ten. On the cells being again visited, he found Gleeson's unoccupied. The alarm was at onco given, and the gaol yard and surroundings searched, but no trace was found.

It is stated in town that Constable Maroney, formerly of Rotorua, but latterly of Makotu, committed suicide on Dec. 17 at that settlement. An inquest was subsequently held upon the body by Mr. Lee, J.P. , and jury. Deceased had been in a depressed state of mind for some time past, and his body was found in a swamp with a bullet wound in the head, and his revolver by his sido. The following written statement was left by the unfortunate man :—" Things I Did Not Do. Maketu, 16th December, 1888. I never robbed Robert Moor 8011. I never stabbed Thomas Moore. I never cub Asher's hose. I never cut Haggertie's nets. Moore, beyond all doubt, stabbed himself. I never robbed any man that lam aware of. I never struck or boat) any man but two menone in Otago and one in Auckland. 1 have been persecuted by police for fourteen years. I regret I did not tako Mr. Thomson's advice, and leave five years ago. I have no ill-feeling against any man in tho police. I understand all tho police aro employed looking mo up. I am mad; have been for 20 years ninco I was in Queensland.—B. Moroney." The jury returned a verdict, " That the deceased committed suicide while in an unsound state of mind."

The body of Philip Boa van, in a horriblymutilated condition, was found on Christmas morning at Waiomo, in a branch creek coming down the left gully of the Golden Gem spur. The head and top portion of the breast were completely blown away, and portions of the flesh and clothing were seen hanging to the limbs of the trees twenty and thirty feet above where the body lay, which was covered with vermin, and presented a very sickening sight. From appearances, it would seem that deceased had held a tin of dynamite in his hands whilst in a standing posture, with his body inclined forward, as his breast was literally scooped out. Deceased, who was a miner, had once or twice threatened to itako his life. His remains were brought in to the Thames on Christmas afternoon, and an inquest was hold on them at the Empire Hotel, when a verdict of felo de se was returned.

Three girls named Alice Harrison, Amy Davies Yorick, and Henrietta Palmer, all about 19, were charged at the Christchurch Police Court with attempting to sot firo to Phillimore Lodge, a private Female Refuge of which they were inmates in January last. The accused were remanded.

James McDonald was brought up before the Wanganui Resident Magistrate on Dec. 21, on remand, charged with having set fire to the Catholic Church at the Jerusalem Maori settlement, up the Wanganui River. Mr. Ward dismissed the case on the ground of insufficient evidence for conviction.

During the past month a change has taken place in the directorate of T. and S Morrin and Co. (Limited). Mr. Thomas Morrin has resigned the position of managing director, which he had held since the formation of the company. A meeting of directors was held on Friday, December 28, when Captain H. £. Anderson and Mr. Thomas Allen were appointed joint managing directors of the company. •••- A horticultural society has been formed at Onehunga, for the town and surrounding districts, and bids fair to bo a great success. The following officers have been appointed :—President, Mr. C. C. Fleming ; vice-president, Mr. C. A. Bruford; treasurer, Mr. W. Stevenson; secretary. Mr. C. K. Jeffs. Committee : Messrs. Stych, Roberts, Brown, Sanderson, Bibby, Kemp, and Webb. The first show in connection with the society will take place in March next. The arrivals in the colony during November were 1721, of whom 417 were from the United Kingdom, and 958 from Victoria. The departures were 1572, of whom 80 were for home, 387 for Now South Wales, and 982 for Victoria.