THE OPUATIA AFFAIR.

Auckland Star, Volume XXV, Issue 66, 17 March 1894, Page 2

THE OPUATIA AFFAIR.

KEREI KAIHAU'S CASE.

MAORIS COMMITTED FOR TRIAL.

After we went to press yesterday afternoon the- charges against seven teen Maoris of the Lower Wuikato, of obstructing and assaulting tho police, near Mercer, last week", were concluded at the Police Court before Mr R. S. Bush, S.M. After Mr Earl had addressed the Court for the defence, the Bench discharged the two young Maori women Hariafca and Tuhino, as ohere was nothing definite against them. The whole of the other natives reserved their defence. Mr Bush said that with regard to the five women Kahukahu, flerao Eai, Tongiaro, Parehourua, and Te Ako, he would not objecb to them being bound over to keep the peace for 12 months in five sureties of £50 each. He then committed the whole of fcho men and the three principal women to take their trial at the nexb criminal sitcing of the Supreme Court on the indictable charges of obstructing and assaulting the police. The following prisoners wore committed : —Men : Kerei Kaihau, Buihana Te Kuri, Ihaka Tarawhati, Te Kapua, Te Keepa, Tiriwa, Te Ratahi. Women: Mita Kaihau, Mita Kukutai (Potaua), and Te Eai. Bail was allowed Kerei Kaihau in one personal surety of £200 and two sureties of £100 each. The three women and the men were allowed bail in £100, and two sureties of £50 each. Mr McAHster, who prosecuted, intimated that there were a number of summary charges laid under the Police Offences' Act, againsb all the natives, bub the defendants being already committed for trial he would withdraw them all.