WESTPOET.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 7167, 31 July 1890, Page 2

WESTPOET.

July 30. All quarry works in future are to be carried on by day labour at 10s per day.

Murder at Dargaville,

FUETHEE PAETIOULABS.

STATEMENT BY THE MUEDERE!

SHOT THE WRONG MAN.

(Per United Press Association.)

Auckland, July 30.

Further particulars regarding the murder of Constable McLeod show that while Funoke boarded tho steamer at Dargavile he was carrying a gun, and had concealed a revolvor and sheath knife. He was very noisy on the passage. Constable MoLeod, with his wife and family, and Constable Scott and his wife wero on the vessel. The steamer had just left the Mongawhere wharf when Funoke entered the cabin,"calling for his gun, and threatening that if he did not get it he would shoot some of them. Constable Scott, hearing the noise, came in and pushed Funoke out of the oabin, and, with Constable McLeod's assistanoo, took him on deck. The steamer put back, when Funcke allowed himself to be put ashore quietly. As soon however as the steamer put off again Puncke started with abusive language, and began firiug, the third shot proving fatal, as the bullet entered McLeod's heart, and he expired immediately, Funoke continued firing as tho vessel got farther into the stream. Thereupon two rifles, charged with shot, were fired at him, one of the chargos striking him in the breast, and with a groan he fell. At the inquest on MoLeod's body, a verdict of wilful murder was returned against Funcke. July 81. Tho man who shot Constable MoLeod is named Henry Funcke, and was under the influence of liquor when he went on board the steamer. The prisoner mado the following Btatoment :— " I paid my passage, and they took my caps from me, so I shot him, as my life depended on my caps. I know my life is forfeited. It is a pity they did not drop me, as now they will have the pleasure of hanging me. My life is of no value to anyone. I shot the man because I thought he «h tho captain. He took my gun, and I cannot live without it. I shoot birds with it, and got my food by it." It was the third shot of Funoke's that had the fatal effeot. When the party went to arrest Funoko, ho was seen to lift up his hand as if about to fire. Two rifles, loaded with shot, were thon fired at him, one striking him in the broast and groin, and he fell. Ho was then arrested.