STAR TELEGRAMS

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 1877, 8 January 1875, Page 2

STAR TELEGRAMS

PER ANGLO-AUSTRALIAN PRESS TELEGRAPH AGENCY. Auckland, Thursday evening. The Orakei Murder Case. The Supreme Court to-day was crowded with Maoris to hear the charge of the wilful murder of Henriettn, a native girl, against Newton, also a native, at Orakei, Mary Anne, Henrietta's mother, deposed i Saw tho prisoner on the night Henrietta died. Sne was missing, arid prisoner said she had gone to Pirikiri's house, and he would go and look for her. Witness told him to bring her back quietly, and not beat her, as he had been doing. He was no relative, but very jealous of her. He wanted her to be his wife. He went to fetch her; and returned at 9 o'clock and said she was dead; she had been struck by a Maori Satan. He brought the bocly to the house. Pirikiri deposed that he had just returned from Auckland. He met Henrietta by arrangement* in the house, where several persons were present. He showod them his photograph, which was much admired. Henrietta , winked at him, which he took for a sign. She went to the back of the house, and he followed her td an empty house. While there, Newtonjcame in and groped around with his hands in the dark, and came across them. He said, "Who is this? 1' and Henrietta put her hands to his mouth to present him exposing her. He said, "It is my original wife." . They separated, after arranging to meet in his whare that night. Ilenrietta was to sing a Maori chapt as a sign. She did so, the chant meaning, "I am coming, love." She was then in good liealth . William ,Astle deposed to Henrietta leaving hig house.at 9 o'clock, singing a love song. Newton called out to her, asking where she had been: Henrietta was in good health and spirits when she left his place. An hour afterwards he heard she was dead. Witness had heard the prisoner declare that if he found the girl going asiray -with another man he would kill, heri: { Newton was a man of 50 and Henrietta was 20. The natives held an inquest themselves on the body, and found him guilty of murder. Pera gave similar evidence. Anthor native deposed that Newton told him he . had found Pirikiri * and Henrietta together. Siibsequentlv he saw Henrietta lying down in Te tfra's and Newton "sitting by her side. Newton insisted upon her going with him. Henrietta said she was afraid but ultimately went. Witness never saw her alive

again. Henri Te Ura, a native girl, deposed to-seeiugJSLewton and .Henrietta by the; roadside a raortHiraw I«terpiitriilgnt. Henrietta's head was on prisoner's knee. She r ffriMti-fH(»a. —-> Medical evidence was taken to prove that Henrietta's neck was broken.

This day, 1.41 p.m. The Judge is summing up in the murder case ; not yet concluded.

This day, 3.16. i After further evidence was taken, Newton {the prisoner) was sentenced to death.

Auckland, This day. A requisition is. being circulated asking Sir George Grey to stand for City West. The total export of gold produce of the Province during the year was 76,890 Ounces, value £292,486. < The Swedish barque, Condoren, which Arrived at the beginning of October wholly dismasted, has completed repairs, and sailed for San Francisco. Captain Neag* lick writes to the papers stating that the facilities of the port tor repairing vessels of the Condoren's tonnage really exceed his expectations.. Masts and spars he is satisfied could not be excelled in any part c of the world. - Mr Buckland reports ship-borne cattle 25s'to 27s 6d per lOOlbs. Fat sheep, 3d to 3£d; lambs, 1 12s to 19s; wethers, 8s to 15s.if,' . .'. . V; " Two hundred City West electors signed Sir George Grey's requisition in two hours last night.' : , Fred Northorpe met with a painful, accident at the Church hill flax mill. His. arm got into the scutcher which smashed the bone to atoms. Amputation was successfully effectod. . Wellington, This day. The ball to the Governor, given at the Theatre last night, was a remarkable success in every respect, though the attendance was less than anticipated. About 400 were present. His Worship th| Mayor occupied the chair, and proposed the; health of the guest of the evening The Governor replied briefly. He said before hrleft these shores he hoped to b<? ablefto lay claim to a greater share of esteem than they evinced for him tot night. After haying seen many Britisli colonies, he' knew of none which hold! out more promises of permanent and happy results than New Zealand. Lady Normanby was present. " j. Mr Walter Johnston addressed the Manawatu electors. Though he advert sely critisised many of the government proposals and acts, he promised to support the measure for the abolition of the provinces in the North "Island. He received a vote of of thanks and confidence.

A Gazette notice states that William James Jobsen is to be Inspector of JVfachinery for Auckland district—apv pointment to date from the first instant.