MAZE OF EVIDENCE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 142, 17 June 1936, Page 8

MAZE OF EVIDENCE

TsiE WAIHOU MURDER AID OF MAORI COUNCIL ENLISTED [ Ter Tresa Association. J WHANGAREI, June 16. An interesting development in the investigation ot the murder of Ernest Nelson is that the police have enlisted the aid of the Hokianga -Maori Council in prosecuting their inquiry. A special committee of local members of the council has been set up. Mr. Fred Heperi, who is also chairman of the Hokianga Maori Council, is presiding over the enquiry, which is being held at the residence of his father, Mr. J. Heperi, one of the leaders of the Mormon Church in New Zealand, lhe house is some three or four miles north of 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 the well-known 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 Fred Heperi. It is expected that the council proceedings will conclude this evening when the information obtained will be handed to the police. *The investigation of the murder now has extended as far as Taheke while the Maori settlement at Rangiahua continues to be the centre of police activity. Natives who have long led a placid and undisturbed life are feeling a little uneasiness in being brought into the maelstrom of the man hunt and some have even vacated their premises to take up temporary abodes where their numbers are greater. Many who have been called upon to give statements and further statements have never faced a typewriter before and are inclined to let their sense of the dramatic paint pictures of the imagination. There have been instances of fresh matter being introduced in the second interrogations, as well as contradictions and interpolations, leading the police to waste valuable time in pursuing scents which prove to be false.

Yesterday the stock was mustered on Nelson’s property for the purpose af valuation.