CHARGE OF MURDER MADE

Taranaki Daily News, 26 January 1934, Page 9

CHARGE OF MURDER MADE

YOUNG SAMOAN IN THE COURT NATIVE DIES WITH SPLIT SKULL. QUARREL ABOUT A GIRL ALLEGED. REMAND TILL END OF THE MONTH By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright Rec. 5.5 p.m. ■- Apia, Jan. 24. Latu, a Samoan youth aged 16, was charged before the High Court with the murder at Satapiiala of Vasa, a Samoan male. Latu 'was remanded to January 31. Reports state that the men quarrelled over, a girl, with the result that Vasa, who was much older, threatened Latu on two occasions. On Monday the men met on a plantation track. It is alleged that words were exchanged and that both slashed. ; simultaneously with knives. Vasa-,-it is said, was wounded and pursued Latu, brandishing a knife . and shouting threats. When overtaken Latu is alleged to have turned and struck a second-blow which severed Vasa’s hand above the wrist and a third blow which split Vasa’s skull. The injured man was taken to Apia and ■ died when he reached the hospital. Mr. Hoggard, district officer at the Leulimoega police post, arrested Latu three hours afterwards.