A Constable Shot Dead,

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 1, Issue 54, 1 August 1890, Page 3

A Constable Shot Dead,

The Murderer Wounded. AUCKLAND, July 80. A dreadful murder took place this morning between twelve and one at Kaipara. Constable McLeod was shot dead. He was leaving Dargaville District fot Auckland to take up his duties elsewhere, and embarkedonthe steamer Minnie Casey at midnight. On arriving at Mangawhare, half-a-ihile down the Wairoa River, Captain Rawson put a passenger, Robert Funke, ashore for using indecent language and brandishing a gun about. Another constable on board retained the gun. On the steamer leaving the wharf again, Funke, who had a revolver 'on him, commenced firing from the wharf. The first shot penetrated ‘ Constable McLeod’s heart. Ho exclaimed, “My God,” and expired at once. The steamer immediately put back to Dargaville. The residents armed themselves, and found the murderer still on the wharf. They called on, him to throw up his arms, but he refused to surrender, and a charge of shot was fired at him, hitting him in the body. He was then made a prisoner and conveyed to the lock-up. The prisoner narrowly escaped lynching., Deceased, who was highly respected in the district, was the recipient of a testimonial on leaving. He was a prominent Mason. Deceased was about 40 years, of age. There is great excitement, at Dargaville. Later Pairticulars.. 7/ The Murderer’s Statements When arrested on a charge of murder Funke made the following statement “ I paid my passage and they took my caps from me, so I shot him as my life depended on my caps. I know my life is forfeited, it is a pity they did not drop me, as now they will have the pleasure of hanging me, my life is of no value to anyon‘e.7 I;ihpt the man because I thought he was the captain, he toook my gun, and I cannot live without it. I shot birds with It, and get my food by it. ” At the inquest a verdict of Wilful Murder was returned against Funke. ! 1