Life Imprisonment With Hard Labour For Maori Guilty Of Triple Murder

Wanganui Chronicle, 28 April 1949, Page 5

Life Imprisonment With Hard Labour For Maori Guilty Of Triple Murder

PALMERSTON N., Last Night (PA). —Life imprisonment with hard labour on each of three counts was imposed by Mr. Justice Hutchison on John Reremoana Tume, lorry-driver, aged 30, married, after he was found guilty of the murder of Olive Frances Hartley, married, 54, her daughter, Lillian Winiata, married, 3G, and Mrs. Winiata’s half-caste son, aged 3.

Mr. Justice Hutchison presided. Mr. G. 1. McGregor appeared for the Crown and Mr. F. G. Opie for the defence.

Asked if he had anything to say wiiy sentence should not be passed, Tume asked whether h e could ask the Judge three questions

His Honour: You may not ask questions but you may make a statement.

Tume: In your summing up d‘d you find me responsible for the three deaths? His Honour: That is a question. I told you confine yourself to making a statement.

Straightening himself, Tume said in a clear decisive voice: "1 am glad that you hav e reached a final decision and I wish to thank you for the fair trial you have given me. I must tell you that I had the choice of slaying in Porirua mental hospital or going to prison. I made my choice and it remains the same. I’ll gladly go to my punishment for the honour of my son John. I wish to express profound regret for the deaths of the three people who have gone to their last rest."

At this stage Tume faltered in his speech, lowered his head and grasped his two hands together. He finished his remarks with the surprising statement: "Yours faithfully. Have a good Christmas holiday. Kia Ora, Johnny.” His Honour said there was only one punishment provided by the law, and he sentenced Tume to imprisonment with hard labour for life on each ol the three counts. . The Jury handed the following written presentment to His Honour: "This jury is of opinion that the reintroduction of capital punishment would be a greater deterrent to this type of crime." His Honour said the rider would be forwarded to the appropriate authoring he stepped from the dock Tume was immediately handcuffed to one of the two warders who had sat near him throughout the trial.