MAORI CHARGED.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 48, Issue 157, 14 April 1928, Page 3

MAORI CHARGED.

DRESSED IN FEMALE GARB. (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, April 13. How a Maori youth dressed in female garb and imposed on other Maoris Avas told in Court to-dav. when George Grace, 19, pleaded guilty _to being a rogue-and a vagabond, in that ho had insufficient lawful means _of support and had a previous conviction as an idle and disorderly person. _ He also admitted stealing dresses, a signet ring and ten shillings at Tangaio. For the police it Avas stated that accused was a native of the northern East Coast district. In February he Avas staying Avitli some Maoris in the Napier district, and subsequently visited Levin, Otaki and Porirua. Then he came to Wellington, Avhere he was arrested. “Your Worship will notice that the charges refer to the theft of ladies’ clothing,” added the sub-inspector. “ Apparently he is of an effeminate nature and has, been wearing the apparel ; in fact, he Avas wearing one of the drosses when arrested.” Air Riddell: Do you think he is mentally sound? The sub-inspector: He is not sufficiently defective to have him medically examined. He is certainly effeminate, hut Avas able to impose on these different natives and live with them. As soon as they became suspicious of him he got away to another place. Mr Riddell: I think I shall certainly have him examined by a medical man before passing!sentence on him. Accused Ava 4 remanded! till Monday pending a medical examination.