THE RAKAMOANA MURDER.

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 9321, 16 June 1891, Page 1 (Supplement)

THE RAKAMOANA MURDER.

DISCOVERY OP CHADWICK’S BODY. Napier, JuneS,

The body of tho man Chadwick, who is supposed to have murdered Roderick Matheson on January 14th last, has been found in Pohui bush, close to the scene of the murder. No details are to hand.

[lt will be remembered that Matheson was found in a dying condition at the back of (he homestead of the Hakamoaoa Station (about 35 miles from Napier, on the Taupo road) of which be was bead shepherd, it was at first supposed that hia horse had kicked him, as he had two wounds on bis

head which might have been inflicted in that way. Circumstances then came to light which fixed suspicion on Chadwick, a shearer, who had mysteriously disappeared from the station. A diligent search for the

suspected murderer was instituted, but it was unsuccessful, and it was at length—lt seems rightly—concluded that be had wandered into the bush and been lost.] Napier, June 10. James Chadwick, who murdered Roderick Matheson, met bis death iu a tragic manner. After committing the fool deed he made his way to a high cliff covered with bush overlooking the scene of the murder, tbe home station,and bis bouse. Appearances indicate that he then got some flax, and tying one end in a noose round bis neck and the other end round the branch of a tree, he sat on the branch while he smoked a farewell pipe, and then threw himself off. The flax broke, bat the tension tightened tbo noose round his nock, and Chadwick was slowly strangled. The ground around the body shows that there must have been a prolonged struggle before death came;