Supposed Murder.

New Zealand Police Gazette, Volume VII, Issue 24, 28 November 1883, Page 195

Supposed Murder.

Wi Kaipuki, a Maori chief, while ill at Murewai, Poverty Bay, accused Te Bapaera of having bewitched him, and said that if he died Te Rapaera would be killed. Wi Kaipuki died on the 21st ultimo, when it was said by the Natives that Te Rapaera was to be killed for causing his death. Te Rapaera left Murewai and went to Whareongaonga when first accused of having bewitched deceased; he returned to Murewai on the Gth ultimo, and arranged with Hemi Mahuki for the safe-keeping of his property ; and, as ho has not since been seen or heard of, it is now supposed lie has been murdered. He is described as follows: A native of a Maori village near Wairoa, about fifty years of age, about 5 feet 7 inches high, square stiff build, round features, very much tattooed, prominent piercing eyes, nose inclined to be aquiline; usually wears trousers and vest, shirt, boots, and hat; rarely wears a coat. Ho had to leave his native village some years ago on account of being accused of witchcraft. Suspicion attached to Maoris living at Murewai or Whareongaonga. He may not have been murdered, but may have gone to some other Maori settlement.