THE CASE OF RUA.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIX, Issue 12, 14 January 1918, Page 4

THE CASE OF RUA.

REQUEST FOR HIS RELEASE.

A deputation of Maoris from the Tuhoe tribe waited on the Hon. T. M. Wilford (Minister of Justice and Marine), at Rotorua, on Saturday. The deputation which was introduced by Sir James Carroll requested that Rua whose sentence expires in August next be Teleaeed. The members of the deputation professed their loyalty and a desire to assist the Empire in the war. They wished the trouble about Rua settled so that they could concentrate their attention on the war. While several of their young men had gone to the front, they complained that several •others medically passed at Whakatane had been rejected in Auckland, and they asked that the Government send a doctor to Whakatane to specially examine recruits.

Mr. Wilford thanked the deputation for their expressions of loyalty. He said that he had seen Rua at the Auckland Gaol, and that the latter had proved an excellent prisoner. He (Rua) recognised the power of the law and would not claim any right above the law. In view of that and the Tuhoes' expressions of loyalty proved by sending their young men to the front Mr. Wilford stated that he would remit Rua's case to the Prisons Board meeting in March for the consideration of his release on sureties for his good behaviour. The complaint about the medical examination would be. referred .to the Minister of Defence.'