Aged Maori Hit With Axe Handle

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 48, 26 February 1938, Page 5

Aged Maori Hit With Axe Handle

YOUNGER MAORI HELD BY POLICE Per Press Association. GISBORNE, Last Night. A Maori labourer named Ngoare Taunoa, aged about 60 years, was admitted to Cook Hospital this afternoon suffering from head injuries alleged to have been received as a result of another native striking him with an axe handle. The alleged assault was committed on the property of Mr. T. Oraill, Patutahi, about 3 p.m., when Taunoa, it is stated, was attacked suddenly when the other Maori, who is a much younger man, made an unexpected appearance on the property. The trouble, it is alleged, had been brewing for some months. About a fortnight ago the young man disappeared froiri* the district and had not been seen again until to-day. Craill heard a commotion just about the time the men were going to stop work ffr “smoko” and saw Taunoa running toward 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 gua among some corn. Several young men surrounded him with guns and held him cornered until the arrival of the police. He submitted without resistance and he will appear before the Court at Gisborne to-morrow morning.