CHARGE OF MURDER

Southland Times, Issue 22012, 11 May 1933, Page 8

CHARGE OF MURDER

TRIAL OF MAORI YOUTH. (Per United Press Association.) Auckland, May 10. The trial of a Maori youth, Riwi Manuel, on a charge of murdering Hati Robson at Kaitaia on January 8 was continued to-day. Constable Thornell said accused told him that he had entered the bedroom about daybreak and shot at Robson. Witness warned him of the seriousness of the statement and that he was not obliged to say anything more. Accused in answer to further questions said he knew he was shooting Robson, but he did not intend to kill him, only to hurt him. He added he then ran outside and hid the gun. The admissibility of this defence was questioned by counsel for the defence and the judge noted the objection.

Witness said he then took a written statement from accused in which he made a full confession. When it was completed witness was informed by telephone from the hospital that Robson had died.

Replying to the judge witness said accused was not in custody when he was taken into Kaitaia where he made the statement.

The constable in charge of the Kaitaia district, Thornell, was in the witness box for the greater part of the day. He was examined on alleged statements made by accused. The Crown case is expected to conclude to-morrow.