DEATH OF MAORI

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21035, 10 February 1940, Page 6

DEATH OF MAORI

Te Teko, said that on January 20 she went to Te Teko, where she consumed some liquor. Robert Tukehu, with whom she was living, met her, and later they met John Maaka. “We left Te Teko in Tukehu’s car,” continued witness. "Tukehu was arguing with me about my consuming liquor. He hit me on the head with his open hand. It was a heavy blow and rendered me unconscious. "I remember the deceased putting his hands around me to protect me, but I do not remember any more until Mrs Makiha poured water on me outside her house. “Robert Tukehu had a very bad temper. He frequently struck me,” witness concluded.

INCIDENT AT TE TEKO HAPPENINGS IN CAR (Special to Times) WHAKATANE, Friday Events leading up to the death of Johnny Maaka, single, a Maori labourer, aged 20, who died at Te Teko on the night of January 20 from head injuries, alleged to have been inflicted by Robert Tukehu, another Maori, who subsequently committed suicide near Rotorua, were described when the inquest was continued before the district coroner, Mr G. A Brabant, at Whakatane. The inquest was later adjourned. Mary Makiha, aunt of Maaka, said that deceased and Tukehu had had tea at her home on the night of January 20. “When they left they were in the best of spirits and they were very friendly toward one another, as they always were,” stated witness. “At about 10 p.m. I heard Bessie McManus calling out ‘auntie.’ “I went to the front gate and saw Tukehu’s car there. Tukehu was trying to drag Bessie MeManus, who was intoxicated, out of the car. He had the starting handle in his hand. “Deceased was lying over Bessie. Tukehu went to him and called out. John, John, poor John.’ He asked me to get some water, and while 1 was getting it he called out, ‘Auntie, I think John is dead. I will have to kill myself now because Johnny is dead, all because of Bessie,’ ” Writing of Will Tukehu then walked into the house. When he came out he told witness he had written a will. He said good-bye and drove off. Bessie McManus, a widow living at