MAORI FRACAS

Evening Star, Issue 22893, 26 February 1938, Page 26

MAORI FRACAS

ALLEGED ATTACK WITH AXE HANDLE ELDERLY MAN IN HOSPITAL [Pee United Press Association.] GISBORNE, February 25. A Maori labourer named Ngaore Taunoa, aged about 60 years, was admitted to the Cook Hospital this afternoon suffering from head injuries alleged to have been received as the result of another Native striking him with an axe handle. The alleged assault was committed on the property of Mr T. Craill, of Patutahi, about 3 p.m., when. Taunoa, it is stated, was attacked suddenly by the other Maori, a much younger man, who made an unexpected appearance on the proEerty. The trouble, it is understood, ad been brewing for some months. About a fortnight ago the young man disappeared from the district and had not been seen again until to-day. Mr Craill heard a commotion just about the time the men were going to stop work for “ smoko,” and saw Taunoa running towards his house with blood flowing freely. The police at Patutahi were communicated with and a search was made for the alleged assailant, who was lying with a gun among some corn. Several young men surrounded him with guns and held him cornered until the arrival of the police. He submitted without resistance. He will appear before the court at Gisborne this morning.