THE TAURANGA TRAGEDY.

Otago Witness, Issue 1981, 11 February 1892, Page 26

THE TAURANGA TRAGEDY.

Auckland, February 10.

At the inquest on the bodies of the victims of theTauranga tragedy, a verdict was returned of wilful murder against Duncan Munro, with the rider that he should never have been let out of the asylum, and had not been properly looked after by his family. Mrs Munro is still alive but unconscious, and in a critical state. The report that the other child is dead is incorrect, but all hopes of the poor little boy recovering are also given up. In his evidence Dr Bullen, who was called in when the murder was discovered, deposed that for some time past he had considered Munro dangerous and insane, and he frequently suffered from religious mania. A few days ago, Mrs Munro called on him and showed him a bruise caused by her husband, and stated that she was in fear of her life and the lives of her children. He reported this to Mrs Bodett (Munro's mother) and Peter Munro (his brother), and said Munro would do something if not properly looked after. He also reported it to the police. Peter Munro, brother of the accused, admitted that Dr Bullen had told him six months ago that his brother should be watched, but witness understood the doctor to believe that he would do injury not to others but to himself. Sergeant Keily said that when he asked Mrs Munro if she considered her husband dangerous she replied that she was not afraid, but as she had to nurse a baby she would require assistance. He had heard nothing about Munro beating his wife, as stated in Dr Bullen's evidence. During the inquest the prisoner Munro was seized by a fit, and caused a sensation by singing hymns. He had to be taken out of the room. Napieh, February 10. A private message received here from Tauranga states that Mrs Muuro and her child are likely to recover.