A Maori Tragedy.

Waikato Argus, Volume XXIII, Issue 3619, 30 October 1907, Page 2

A Maori Tragedy.

SEQUEL TO A CHRISTENING. ■WOMAN CHARGED WITH MURDER. By Telegraph. —Press Associaton. Dargarville, Last Night. A fracas, resulting in a tragedy occurred on Saturday, at Maropiu, twelve miles from Dargarville, causing the death of Watene Reihana. A native gathering was being held in connection with a christening ceremony. Early in the morning Reihana had an altercation with his wife, and walked away to an adjacent store house, his wife subsequently proceeding in a similar direction with a bridle in her hand to catch a horse. Shortly afterwards Reihana returned to the meeting house, his face covered with blood and exclaimed , “I am killed.” At first the natives thought deceased had been stabbed, but investigation disclosed that his injuries had been caused by a sharp instrument, and it is alleged that his wife struck him with the bridle. He lay down, and an hour later partook of a little food. Then, complaining of illness, he proceeded to the door, and fell unconscious. Restoratives were applied but were futile, and Dr Story was summoned from Dargaville. The doctor attended Reihana, and made arrangements for his removal to the hospital for an operation, and he was present when Reihana expired the same night. The wife of the deceased, who had been to a neighbouring settlement, returned, not anticipating a fatality, and on learning of her husband’s death, swooned.

An inquest was held yesterday, and a verdict was returned that death had resulted from the effects of a heavy blow.

Peti Watene was arrested, and was today brought before justices charged with murder. The police application for a remand for one week was granted. Reihana was aged 47, and his wife’s age is 46. There are six children.

Accused is a woman of high rank, being a member of the well known Patuawa family. She feels her position acutely.