ESCAPE FROM POLICE VAN

Evening Star, Issue 25567, 21 August 1945, Page 4

ESCAPE FROM POLICE VAN

YOUNG MAORIS TO STAND TRIAL THEFT AND CONVERSION CHARGES (P.A.) AUCKLAND, August 20. The two young Maoris who made a clash for liberty after stepping out of the police van at the gates of the Auckland prison on August 6 appeared before Mr S. I. Goodall, S.M., to-day. They were Ben Richard Kora, aged 22, a. labourer, .and John Richard Rakete, aged 18, a labourer, who were jointly charged on six counts of the theft of property valued at £235, seven of unlawful conversion of motor cars valued at £1,480, and one of escaping from lawful custody. In addition, Kora was charged with stealing a wallet valued at £4, and with robbing Bailey Young of £4 in money, using personal violence.

All the offences were alleged to have been committed between July 23 and August 6. The accused appeared in court handcuffed together. Evidence was given by Constable Brazendale that on August 6 the two accused appeared on charges of con-

version and theft before Mr J. H. Luxford, S.M., and were remanded in custody. Witness proceeded to Mount Eden with Kora and Rakete* in the police vail, Constable Lambert acting as escort. After stepping out of the van at the entrance to the prison, the accused stood for a second or two and then ran towards Boston road, Constable Lambert giving chase. As they reached a gate leading to the railway lino the gaol sentry at No. 1 post fired a shot at them. Rakete was caught at the corner of Boston road and Seddon street, and Kora in Carlton Gore road. The latter had received a shot in his buttock and was bleeding. Both accused pleaded not guilty and were committed to the Supreme Court for trial.