MAORI'S LAPSE

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 109, 10 May 1941, Page 12

MAORI'S LAPSE

AS FARM MANAGER

GAOL, SENTENCE IMPOSED,

It was a case of a partnership between an illiterate Maori and a European, with a loose verbal arrangement between them and nothing in writing, stated Mr. J. J. Sullivan on behalf of William Moka, from the Rawene district, who had pleaded guilty to theft and cattlestealing. The European partner was in business in the district, counsel said he was informed, and did not keep a strict supervision of the farm Admittedly Moka did sell lambs, sheep, cattle and timber belonging to the partnership, but he thought he had some right in respect to the lambs. Further, the man, himself illiterate, had fallen under the influence of a stronger character. Moka had a Maori wife, and five young children by a former marriage.

His Honor said that the accused knew perfectly well what the arrangement was between him and the other man, yet the owner of the farm had to accept some blame for having left the man, a Maori, without supervision for a long period. The accused knew well, however, that he was doing wrong. He had not been lazy, and was supporting his wife and children. It was also reported that he had been influenced by a pakeha of bad character. These things would be considered in his favour, but other Maoris must be impressed with the knowledge that if they did wrong they would be punished. Accused would be sentenced to six months' reformative detention in prison.