MAN MURDERED.

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20125, 22 February 1937, Page 6

MAN MURDERED.

PATUMAHOE TRAGEDY DAUGHTER BADLY INJURED ATTACKED WITH SHOTGUN. ARREST OF SON FOLLOWS. (Special to Times) AUCKLAND, Monday. Fatally shot, Mr Toko Whakala (70) was found In his fourroomed whare on the Waiau Pa Road, Patumahoe, about 8 o’clock last night, while his elder daughter, Mrs Ete Toko (30) was severely Injured. Late last night John Toko, aged about 25, a son of deceased, rode on horseback to some neighbours about two miles away on the Mauku Road and announced the tragedy at his home. He was later arrested and lodged in the cells at Pukekohe. Feigned Death. Mr Whakaia was shot In the ohest at point-blank range with a singlebarrelled shotgun and his daughter was struck on the head with a massive Iron kettle, which was shattered. She was found by the police lying on the earth floor of the- whare beside her dead father and feigning death herself to prevent any further onslaught. A tragic story was told by the remaining members of the family, who fled from the whare after the shooting and sought refuge in the neighbouring farmhouse of Mrs E. A. MoAlpine, some 200 yards away. It was stated that there was no warning of the tragedy. The shot was flred across the tiny living room of the whare and Mr Whakaia fell dead near a window. Battered With Kettle. A desperate effort to wrest the weapon from the assailant was made by Mrs Toko who was successful In wrenching It from his grip. The gun fell to the floor and was ploked up by one of the children, who took It as he ran to Mrs McAlpine’s home. Mrs Toko was then battered on the head with a large iron kettle and fell to the floor beside her father. Although she was barely conscious she realised the possibility of a further attempt and lay still. An inquest was opened in the yard near the whare before Mr C. K. Lawrie, district coroner. The inquiry was adjourned after evidence of identification had been given. The police inquiries were being continued at an early hour this morning. CHARGED WITH MURDER. APPEARANCE IN COURT. REMANDED FOR A WEEK. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, Monday. Wearing a navy blue suit and a blaok shirt and with his hands clasped in front of hlqi.John Toka (not Toko) appeared in the Police Court to-day before Mr W. R. McKean, S.M., charged that on February 21 he did murder Toka Whakaia.

On the application of the police he was remanded for a week.