VAGRANT MAORI.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 19285, 14 April 1928, Page 16

VAGRANT MAORI.

PLEADS GUILTY TO THEFTS. [THE PRESS Special Service.] WELLINGTON, April 13. George Grace, a Maori, aged 19, appeared before Mr W. J. Riddell, S.M., in the Magistrate's Court to-day, and pleaded guilty to being a rogue and vagabond, having previously been convicted of being an idle and disorderly ' person with insufficient lawful means of support. He also pleaded guilty to stealing at Tangoio a blue dress, a, signet ring, and a 108 nqj», to a total value of £4 10s, the property of Mary: Tutu, and to stealing at Tangoio a navy blue dress, valued at £1 10s, the property of Rangi Ansau. According to Sub-Inspector Lander, accused, a native of the northern east coast district, was staying at Tangoio in February with some Maoris, when he committed the thefts complained of. He then left there and came to Wellington, stopping at Levin; Otaki, and Porirua en route. Be was subsequently arrested by Constable Cleverley on the wharf in Wellington. Accused appeared to be of a very effeminate nature, and when arrested was wearing the clothing stolen from Mary Tutu. He had previously served a sentence of three months' imprisonment for being an idle ancl disorderly person, and two months for theft. Mr Riddell: Do you think he is sound mentally? Sub-Inspector Lander: I don't think he is sufficiently defective to be examined. He knows enough to live with the natives, and to pack up and go when they get suspicious. He has,been doing this for some months past. Mr Riddell: I prefer to have him ex- < amined by a medical man before I pass sentence on him. Accused was remanded for sentence until Monday morning.