CHARGE OF MURDER

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25737, 8 January 1945, Page 2

CHARGE OF MURDER

MAORI WOMAN’S DEATH HUSBAND BEFORE THE COURT (P.A.) WHANGAREI, Jan. 6. Aperahama Orikena, aged 35, a .sharemilker, of Mangamuku Bridge', was brought before the Kaikohe Court this morning and charged with the murder of his wife, who died yesterday as the result of injuries to the head. He was remanded to appear at Auckland on January 15.

A tragedy resulting in the death of Mrs Oere Haea Orikena, aged about 30 years, occurred early on Friday morning or late on Thursday night at Mangamuku Bridge, half-way between Okaihau and Kaitaia. The deceased was the mother of five children, the eldest aged 14 years and the youngest two. The accused reported that he found his wife at 4 o’clock in the morning. on the bank of the Mangamuku Stream, and carried her to a cowshed 300yds from the residence. She was suffering from severe wounds in the head, and both eyes were badly bruised and closed. She died shortly afterwards. Orikena is a share milker employed by Mr J. R. Crallan. and he and his family lived in three-roomed cottage a quarter of a mile from the main highway, access being gained by a private road. It is stated that a party was held at the cottage on Thursday night.