HIS LAST FIGHT

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 8190, 3 August 1912, Page 1

HIS LAST FIGHT

AFFAIR AT TAUPIRI MAORI DIES IN HOSPITAL FROM INJURIES. •FECIAL TO THE ‘'TIMES." AUCKLAND,. August 2. The death took place at Hamilton last evening of a Maori who was admitted to the hospital in an unconscious condition on Wednesday suffering from injuries received in a fight at Taupiri on the previous Sunday. The Maori’s name was Abraham Ngahiwi, and he was a well-known resident of Jlukanui. He was a well-built and well-educated young man, much respected by all ( who knew him. Ho never regained consciousness after being admitted to the hospital, A detective from Auckland has arrived at Hamilton. From information to hand the deceased appears to have been involved in a brawl which took place at Taupiri on Saturday evening. A quarrel arose over a game of pool, and a party of half a dozen natives and two Europeans came to blows. A railway employee named Moore was one of those concerned in the quarrel, though it is stated that he only became involved by going to the assistance of a friend.

After a somewhat lively scene in the billiard-room it was arranged that Moore and Ngahiwi should meet on the following morning, and fight with bare knuckles, the sum of £5 being wagered between the contestants. The fight took place in a. paddock near Taupiri township nest day, in the presence of about thirty people. A desperate contest was fought, lasting thirty-five minutes, at the end of which period the Maori was beaten. Although terribly punished. Ngahiwi did not at the end of the fight appear to be suffering serious injury. He was taken home by his friends, 'but almost immediately after reaching his residence he became unconscious. Dr McDiarmid was summoned, and he at once ordered the man’s removal to the hospital at Hamilton; but the Maori never regained consciousness, died, as stated,'' last evening.