THE RUA CASES.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17435, 23 March 1917, Page 9

THE RUA CASES.

TRIALS AT HAMILTON*.

[Pen Pruss Association] HAMILTON, March 22. At the Supreme Court to-day the trial ivos continued of Tahu charged with perjury. Mr Mays appeared for the Crown and Mr Lundon for tho prisoner. , The evidence was practically tn© sanfe as that at the Rua trwl. •Cmtstable Skinner described how Pukepu>e pointed a gun at him. There was no similarity in the appearance of 1 ukepuke and Tahoa. Accused (Tahu) is said to hare sworn at, Pukeptike'B trial that when Pukepuke picked 'up the gun Skinner had o-one ii]> the Gishorao track. Corroborative evidence regarding Constable Skinner's statement was •riven by Constables Maisey, Gatward and Shearman and a Government ranger (Cobbledick). Considerable argument -again ensuc-d as to the' question of revelancy, Mr Mays protesting against the lme or questions put by Mr Lundon. iTis Honor upheld the protests by Mr Mays. ,

Mr Lundon said that he had never attempted to prove that Constable Skinner was not,therej in fact, they had always maintained that not only was Skinner there, but that he was the principal and central figure in the whole business.

His Honor; But your man (accused) says that Skinner was not there when Piikepuke picked up the gun. Mr Lundon alleged that the police had made a mistake in the identity of Pukepuke and Tahoa. His Honor declined to permit the present line of cross-examination to proceed. The case would take a fortnight. At the conclusion of the evidence counsel addressed the jury. Mr Luudon's address lasted some two hours. His Honor will sum up in the morning.