CIRCUS "GIRL."

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 134, 9 June 1933, Page 3

CIRCUS "GIRL."

WEARING FEMALE CLOTHES,

FRAUD CHARGE DISMISSED.

The young Maori, Arahangi Matene Ropliia, alias Perihana Robina, alias Ross Ann Laihac, who was convicted ill the Pukekohe Police Court a short time ago for masquerading as a woman, appeared before the Court again yesterday on a charge of obtaining goods to the value of £5 14/9 by the false pretence that lie was a female person. It was stated in evidence that accused, dressed as a woman, entered a ladies' outfitter's shop in Pukekohe and obtained articles of female attire, pro mising to pay for them as soon as some money due to him for the rent of land arrived. That was in February last, since when only 8/ had been paid, leaving the balance, £6 14/!), owing. The owner of the shop said she had no idea then that accused was a. man. She felt sorry for the person at the time

because "she" was wearing very little clothing and the weather was cold. The tale told appeared very genuine. Mr. K. G. F os t e '', for accused, submitted that the charge could not proceed, as accused intended to pay for the goods when certain moneys due to him were received. There was no doubt that he had interests in land, and that £167 was owing in rent to him. His story to the shopkeeper was a genuine one, and believing it to be true the shopkeeper had given the goods expecting to receive paj'ment. Mr. Foster said that after investigation into the case it struck him as being rather tragic. Accused was 29 years of age, and came from a good native family of Hawke's Bay. When at the tender age of nine years, imbued with the spirit which prompts most young people, he joined a circus, and played a woman's part. He was always dressed as a woman and treated as a woman by the circus people, and female mannerisms had been developed to a great extent. He was a splendid worker and a rather superior type of Maori. Mr. Foster, in conclusion, asked that the case be dismissed, because as soon as the Court was adjourned the amount owing would be paid. The justices, Messrs. C. K. Lawrie and I). M. Armstrong dismissed the charge on condition that the amount owing was paid.