Maori Dies as Result Of Clash With Police

Manawatu Times, Volume 67, Issue 255, 28 October 1942, Page 4

Maori Dies as Result Of Clash With Police

FURTHER DETAIL* OF FOREST CAMP INCIDENT (Special to "Tiroes.") ROTORUA, Oct. 27. One Maori is dead, while another is k* hospital with a fractured skull as a result of the clash between a party of polio* and Maoris at No. 2 State Forest Camp at Waiotapu on Monday. The victim is Rahu Reihana. aged 23 years, of Taupo, and the injured man is his brother. Kea Reihana, aged 24 years, the hospital authorities reporting his condition as fairly satisfactory. Constable G. W. Kilgour, who was reported to have been assaulted by the Maoris, also has a fractured skull and his condition is also fairly satisfactory. Constable U. A. Moriey suffered a broken wrist while trying to assist Constable Kilgour. Five other Maoris, Rehu Reihana, aged 19, Micky Reihana, aged 16, Ray Reihana. aged 36, Tim Reihana, aged 31, and Henry October, aged 29, all of Taupo, appeared before Mr. W. H. Freeman, 8.M., in the Magistrate's Court charged with assault and causing actual bodily harm, were remanded to Auckland, but it is understood they will be brought back to Rotorua for the hearing of the charge against them. They were all handcuffed and a special escort provided for the journey to Auckland.

The incident is reported to have followed an objection raised by the No. 2 State Forest Camp manager (Mr. Herdman) to the Maoris occupying a hut in the area. They were told on Sunday night to vacate the building and an assurance was given, It is said, that this would be done. However, the order was not obeyed and the assistance of the Rotorua police was obtained. Constable Kilgour left Constable Moriey and Mr. Herdman in the vicinity of the car and on entering the gateway received a punch on the nose which dazed him. Going to his help, Con» •table Moriey suffered a broken wrist. The party retreated to the car. the headlights of which the Maoris smashed aa they drove away to get assistance. Additional police and members of the Army Frovost Corps returned to the scene to find the Maoris armed with fencing battens and ready for a fight. A struggle ensued during which Rahu Reihana and Ken Reihana suffered head injuries which necessitated their immediate removal to hospital.

N T o. 2 State Forest Camp is located about a mile along the Waiotapu-Te Whaitl highway and about 20 miles from Rotorua.