GISBORNE FORCE RETURNS.

Northern Advocate, 8 April 1916, Page 2

GISBORNE FORCE RETURNS.

GISBORNE, April 8

The Gisborne section of the police force, which operated against Rua, arrived home to-day. Sub-Inspec. tor Johnston says the Gisborne men arrived at Muangapahatu some time before the main body. Rua was found to be quite friendly. "When we went up," said the sub-Inspec-tor, "he shook hands with Constable Doyle, and gave us a welcome." I

was introduced to him and we chatted some time. The Auckland and Rotorua forces arrived about 1 o'clock and there was no show of fight up to this time, and I don't know what made Rua attempt to bolt. Commissioner Cullen upon arrivng asked me where Rua was. I pointed him out and we beckoned to him to come out, but he would not do so. I then went over to bring him along to introduce him to the Commissioner. Rua came along all right for a few yards, then started running away, so I chased after him. As he ran, Rua kept calling out in Maori to shoot. We had a rough and -tumble time and in the struggle I pulled off Rua's shirt sleeve, which I have as a memento. This scrimmage started the fray and the fight was all over in 20 minutes. The Maoris bolted for the bush when the firing commenced." In response to other enquiries, Sub-Inspector Johnston said that no further trouble was anticipated from the natives, who after the excitement had passed, displayed no sign of bearing any grievance. All the guns and ammunition they possessed were gathered up and the latter destroyed.