RUA'S ARREST.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 15560, 8 April 1916, Page 7

RUA'S ARREST.

ARRIVAL OF PRISONERS AT ROTORTJA. (rRESS ASSOCIATION" TELEGRAM.) ROTORUA, April 7. Rua. his son Patu, and four. other prisoners arrived here by coach this evening, with an armed escort. The Dolice party comprised Inspectors Sheelian and Phair, four sergeants, and about forty constables. The prisoners -were lodged in the lockup. Rua looked very sorrowful, but the others were impassive.

WHAT STARTED THE FIGHT. (PRESS ASSOCIATION" TELEGRAM.) GISBORNE, April 7. The Gisborne scction of the police force, which operated against Rua arrived home to-day. Sub-Inspector Johnston says that the Gisborneites arrived at Maungapohatu some time before the main body. "Rua was found to be quite friendly when we went up," said the sub-inspector. He shook hands with Constable Doyle, and gave us a welcome. I was introduced to him. and we were chatting for some time. The Auckland and Rotorua force arrived about 1 o'clock. There was no show of fight up till this, and I don't know what made Rua attempt to bolt. The Commissioner, on arriving, asked mo where Rua was, and I pointed him out. We beckoncd to him to come, but he would not, so I went over to bring him along and introduce him. Rua came along all right for a few yards, and then started running, so I chased after him. As he ran, Rua kept calling out in Maori to shoot. We had a rough-and-tumble, and in the struggle I pulled his shirt sleeve off, which I have as a memento. Well, that started the affray, and the fight was all over in 20 minutes. The Maoris bolted for the bush when the firing commenced."

in response to other enciuiries, SubInspector Johnston said that no further trouble was anticipated from the Natives, who. after the excitement had passed, displayed no sign of bearing anv Grievance. All the guns and ammunition thev possessed were fathered up, and the latter was destroyed."