THE MANGERE TRAGEDY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2565, 13 May 1903, Page 45

THE MANGERE TRAGEDY.

AUCKLAND. May 11

Mr T. Hutchison, S.M., he-Id an inquiry at Onehunga yesterday re-spoeting the death of Sarah Morri^li, aged 80 years, a widow of means, who lived in, solitude in a very lonely part of tho agricultural district of Mangere. Tho evidence showed that when discovered by neighbours on February 26 dooeased was in a terribly battered condition. Her eyes were discoloured and swollen, there were bruises and cuts about her face and hands, and her hair and clothjug were matted with blood. The kitchen and bedroom floors and the walk were badly blood-stained. A constable submitted written statements made by deceased when dying some two months aft« the supposed assault. These were to the effect that Maori youths had called \ipon deceased on several consecutive days in order to obtain food, which s.he readily, gave. Upon her refusing ono morning to assist them they assaulted her, boating her about the head until she fell down insensible. Ue-tective Maddern, in asking for an adjournment, stated that the police had scoured the neighbouring Maori settlements in search of the youths who were suspected. Their non-success he attributed to the publicity furnished by the newspapers. The inquiry was adjourned until Monday, May 15.

A new coach line, running twice a week (on Tuesdays and Friday*), between Naseby and Wsipiata has been established,