WAIHOU TRAGEDY.

Wairarapa Age, 17 June 1936, Page 5

WAIHOU TRAGEDY.

MAORI COUNCIL MAKING INQUIRIES. STATEMENTS BY NATIVES AT VARIANCE. WHANGABEI, June 16. An interesting development in the investigation of the murder of Mr. Ernest Nelson is that the police have enlisted the aid of the Kokianga Maori Council in prosecuting the inquiry. A special committee of local members of the council has been set up and is conducting an inquiry into the death. Mr. Fred Heperi, who is also chairman of the Hokianga Maori Council is presiding over inquiry, which is being held at the residence of his father, J. Heperi, one of the leaders of the Mormon Church in New Zealand. His house is some three or four miles north of Mr. Nelson’s property on the main road. It is stated by Mr. J. Heperi that last night the police asked the council to conduct an inquiry. The council has special powers conferred upon it under act of Parliament and is at liberty to question witnesses. All wellknown Natives in the district and all Maoris who it is thought can supply information and who have already been questioned by the police are being further interrogated in their own language. The evidence is being taken down by Mr. Fred Heperi. It is expected that the council proceedings will conclude this evening, when the information obtained will be handed to the pol See. The investigation of the murder has now extended as far as Taheke, while the Maori settlement at Rangiahua continues to be the centre of police activity. who have long led a placid undisturbed life are feeling a little uneasiness in being brought into the maelstrom of a man hunt and some have even vacated their premises to take up temporary abodes where numbers are greater. Many who have been called upon for statements and further statements have never faced a typewriter' before and are inclined to let their sense of the dramatic paint pictures of imagination. There have been instances of fresh matter being introduced in the second interrogations, the contradictions and interpolations leading the police to waste valuable time in pursuing scents which prove to be false. Yesterday the stock was mustered in Mr. Nelson’s property for the purpose of valuation.—(P.A.)