Native Horse Stealing.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume I, Issue 15, 16 July 1887, Page 2

Native Horse Stealing.

The Police Court was occupied some considerable time on Thursday in hearing a charge of horse stealing against a Maori boy named Honi Ngamu Horse stealing appears to be carried on to some considerable extent by the natives of this district, hardly a sitting of the Supreme Court passing without a charge of this nature being dealt with. Notwithstanding that in eeveral instances the offenders have been severely punished it -does not appear to have acted as a deterrent to others of the native race. During the grave seed season the offence is most rife, and owners of horses have to be vigilant. The present offender is a mere lad of fourteen. From the evidence given it appears that Mr Donner, of Pouparae, in April last, put a horse, valued at £2O, in his paddock, and -in a few days missed it. The animal was ren in the accused’s custody on several occasions, and on being asked by different persons where he got it from he said he had bought it. Ultimately the accused sold the horse, taking in exchange another horse and £L On being arrested at Wairoa by Constable Shaw accused said a boy at Waerenqa-a-hika had sold him the horse. The prisoner was committed for trial.