MAORIS IN COURT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 286, 2 December 1936, Page 16

MAORIS IN COURT.

JOINT ASSAULT CHARGES. COMMITTED FOR TRIAL. Two Maoris charged on three counts arising out of an alleged assault of an old man, Alfred Cooper, on October 13, were committed to the Supreme Court for trial by Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M., in the Police * Court "Yesterday afternoon. They were James Toko, labourer, aged 32, "and Poa Thomas, labourer, aged 27. Accused, who pleaded not guilty, were represented by Mr. Winter, while Detective-Sergeant McHugh took the case for the police.

Joe Marino gave evidence how he and the accused had gone to the house of Cooper. They later had tea at a restaurant, after which the three went to witness' room in a boardingliouse. Some time later, about 9 p.m., they all left the hotel, and witness saw both accused again about 11 p.m.

Detective A. Moore read a statement from Toko admitting the assault. He said in the statement that he left Marino's room between 9.30 and 10 p.m. and went to the room of Alfred Cooper at 00, Grafton Boad. Toko said he took a flying leap at Cooper, who fell back on the bed. He punched Cooper several times, but he did not put his hands in Cooper's poqkets. Toko and those by whom he was accompanied went to Cooper intending to get some money from him.

In a statement read by Detective R. C. M. Moore. Thomas said he was at home all night on October 13, and some injuries to his hands were caused through chopping wood.

Committing both to the higher Court, the magistrate refused bail.