MAORI M.P.'S BLACK EYE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 121, 24 May 1932, Page 12

MAORI M.P.'S BLACK EYE.

□AN CHARGED WITH ASSAULT whangabh: prosecution. FINE FOR OBSCENE LANGUAGE. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) WHANGAREI, this day. Charges of assaulting Tau Henare, M.P. for the Northern Maori electorate, and of using obscene language were preferred against Fredrick Stratford Beachman, before Mr. G. N. Morris, S.M., at a sitting of thr Magistrate's Court yesterday afternoon. The evidence was of conflicting nature, but it was shown that trouble occurred at the Motatau railway yard on February 19, when the failure of Henare Tau Henare, a son of the M.P., to close a gate when requested to do so by defendant, resulted in the language complained of. Beachman pleaded guilty to the second charge, but denied the assault, claiming that he had been compelled to defend himself. While he was arguing with Henare Tau Henare, defendant said, Tau Henare came running up with a stone in each hand. In admitting that this was so, Tau Henare claimed that he intended to use them on his sou to prevent him injuring Beachman, who was a complete stranger, and who might have been a member of a family that did a great deal in the interests of the native race. During the scuffle Beaciiman struck Tau Henare above the eye, causing a gash. Later Tau Henare threw Beachman to the ground and sat on him. Henare told Beachman that it would cost him £200, and said that leave of absence from the- House of Parliament would have to be obtained as it would not be fitting for a member to appear with a black eye. Allegations were made that Beachman attempted to use • a pocket knife in the struggle, but these were denied. Percy Bradford, called by Beachman, stated that he had seen the occurrence from a sheep race. Later Tau Henare came over and he received a blow which knocked him over. In giving his decision the magistrate said "he would dismiss the assault charge, but he took a more serious view of the language used, particularly as it concerned Maoris, and on this charge he imposed a. fine of £5 and costs.