THE WAIHOU MURDER

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22909, 17 June 1936, Page 10

THE WAIHOU MURDER

INTERROGATION OF NATIVES

SERVICES OF MAORI COUNCIL ENLISTED

(Pr.R United Press Association)

WHANG ARE 1, Juno 10.

An interestin'* development in the investigation of the murder of Ernest Sevoren Nelson is that the police have enlisted the aid of the Hokianga Maori Council in prosecuting the inquiry. A special committee of local members of the council has been sot up, and is conducting an inquiry into the death. Mr Fred lleperi, who is chairman of the council, is presiding over the inquiry, which is being hold at the residence of his father, Mr J. Hepcri, one of the loaders of the Mormon Church in New Zealand. It was stated by Mr J. Heperi Hint last night the police asked the council to conduct the inquiry. The council has special powers conferred upon it under the statute, and is at liberty to question witnesses from among the well-known Natives in the district. All Maoris who, it is thought, can supply information and who have already been questioned by the police, are being further interrogated in their own language. The evidence is being taken down by Mr Fred Heperi. It is expected that the council proceedings will conclude this evening, when the information obtained will be handed to the police.

The investigation of the murder has now extended as far ns Tahoke, while the Maori settlement at Rangiahua continues to be a centre of police activity. The Natives of these districts, who have long led a placid, undisturbed life, are feeling a little uneasy at lieing brought into the maelstrom of a man-hunt, and some have even vacated their promises to take up temporary abodes where the numbers arc greater. Many who have been called upon to make statements and further statements have never faced a typewriter before, and arc inclined to lot their sense of the dramatic paint pictures of the imagination. There have been instances of fresh matter being introduced in second interrogations, as well as contradictions and interpolations, causing the police to waste valuable time in pursuing scents which prove to be false.