THE TOKIRIMA MURDER

Waikato Times, Volume 93, Issue 14494, 18 October 1920, Page 5

THE TOKIRIMA MURDER

ANDERBON OAPTURED. CHASE THROUGH THE BUSH. A HINDOO RUSE. The man William Anderson, for whom the police have been searching since Thursday, in connection with the murder of Fred Telfer, 18 years of age, it Tokirlma, was captured after an exciting chase late on Saturday night, :<t a lonely whare in the heart of the bush about 20 miles from Taumarunui. The story of the chase and capture . make interesting reading, and show that Anderson was taken by means of a ruse, his capture being largely contributed tc by a large number of Hindoo coolies. Early on Saturday evening Anderson ■was seen In the vicinity of Tokirim.i, end Constable Ebbett proceeded thither in order to give the settlers some sense of security. Upon arrival there lie received a telephone message from Mr Olds tha* Anderson had been located near a Hindoo camp on the property of Mr R. Craig, at the Junction of the Aukopae and Kururau reads. Sergeant Miller had taken the precaution of searching all whares and any likely place where Anderson might camp by night. Anderson had been using the ridges as a means of escape and observation, thereby commanding a view of the roads along which search parties were likely to travel. Sergeant Miller, having regard for this, decided to pass the Hindoo camp, which lies in a secluded spot, without searching it. He then sent a settler back to instruct the Hindoos that in the event of Anderson paying them a visit, noi to show alarm, but to give him food, and if possib'e secure possession of his rifle. If unable to hold it, they were to destroy the mechanism, and if possible make Anderson a prisoner.

Falls Into the Trap.

The expected happened and Anderson fell into the trap. Apparently believing the Hindoos knew nothing of his affairs, he entered one of the ten's about seven o'clock and asked if they had anything to eat. One of the Hindoos named Magina Singh replied "Yes" and gave him some food. The unsuspecting refugee ptaced his rifle in a corner of the tent and .Magina asked Anderson who he was. He answered, "A white man." Magina asked him where he came from and he replied "Tatu." The Hindoo asked him why he had come to their camp. Anderson then said he was a policeman. Magina said he knew all the policemen in the district and that the interrogated was not one of them. Anderson then stated that he was a farmer living about six miles away. At this poirit Magina took up the rifle and handed it to another Hindoo named Dallip Singh.

Anderson asked them why they had taken his rifle. Magina answered, "You no policeman," at the same time taking hold of Anderson's coat sleeve. Anderson said, "Please give me my gun and 1 will give you £5." Magina's reply was that it he would accompany them to Mr Craig's and he told them to return the weapon th'/y would do so. Anderson said Craig's place was too and that he would go to Oliver's (the settler who had warned the Hindoos to look out for Anderson). Sheath Knife Produced.

Magina, Dallip and Anderson then went to Oliver's, and Dallip called Oliver out. Magina asked, "Do you know this man?" Oliver struck a match and replied that he did. Then telling them to wait a moment while lie went in for his glasses, he left them. They waited outside tre gate for a time, .n' as Oliver did not return, Magina took Anderson to the whare, hut Oli.'er had disappeared. Anderson 4 then asked Magina to let go his sleeve. Magina did so and Anderson went into the whare and commenced to fumble with the clothes on a bunk, when suddenly he whipped out a sheath knife and made towards the Hindoo in a threatening manner. The Hindoos then ran to the whare of a Mr Cross, to whom they handed the rifle, which contained eight ball cartridges, one in the barrel and the re maining seven in the magazine. When Singh first seized the rifle,, Anderson, in asking for it back, said, ' "I am no good without my gun. I do rot want'to shoot you people; I only want to shoot the white man." Singh said, "You have shot a white I man," when Anderson shook and j trembled very much. Sergeant Miller and Constables Ebbett j and McNamara, on hearing the news, I v repaired to the Hindoo camp, only to ,' find it deserted. They then went to Mr Craig's, who said the Hindoos were camping for the night close by, as they were afraid to-return to their whare, having lost Anderson. Mr Craig expressed apprehension that Anderson might visit the home of .Mr Cross, a frail old man,-whom it was. known possessed a rifle and ammuni- , tion as well as an automatic revolver. I Mr Craig accompanied Sergeant Miller j to Cross' place and took away the arms ! and ammunition. Wet, Cold and Hungry. It was then learned that Anderson j had visited Fleming's whare, some distance away about 11 o'clock that night. | Inquiries showed that Mr A. W. Flem- j ing and Mr John Hanley were in their | whare when Anderson came to the door and asked to be allowed to ente<\ remarking that, he was quite harmless. Fleming opened the door while Hanley covered Anderson with a ride. Anderson walked inside ana said, "I am turning it in, and 1 don't wish to do you fellows any harm. I am wet and cold and* want a feed badly." Fleming gave the refugee a meal and then informed the police. j; Constable McNamara arrived on the '' scene about 2 a.m., Hanley all this time : having kept Anderson covered with a rifle. Anderson was immediately placed under arrest and held at. Fleming's whare until daylight. An extra' horse was then procured, and, securely handcuffed, Anderson was strapped and bound with ropes to the saddle. They then set off on the journey for Taumarunui, about 20 miles away, where they arrived about 3 o'clock yesterday afternoon. Anderson will be formally charged with the murder and remanded.