MAUNGAPOHATU SEQUEL.

Northern Advocate, 12 October 1916, Page 1

MAUNGAPOHATU SEQUEL.

STAY OF PROCEEDINGS

RUA CASE REVIVED

Two out of five followers of the "prophet" Rua having been charged with complicity in the Maungapohatu affray and found not guilty, the Crown counsel, Hon. J. A. Tole, K.C., has now sought and obtained a stay of proceedings against the other three accused —Awa Horomona, Tioki Kakaipari, and Maka Kanuehi. The three accused were consequently discharged from custody, by direction of Mr Justice Hosking.

Mr Lundon, appearing for the accused, urged that they had been kept in gaol for six months and were entitled to either a trial or formal acquittal. ■His Honour said that there was no jury present to acquit the men, and Mr Lundon contended that a jury could be empanelled forthwith for the purpose. Mr Justice Hosking commented that there wa< 5 very small likelihood of the Crown entering a nolle prosequi (unwilling to proceed) on the ground of insufficient evidence at the time, thus raising the possibility of reviving the proceedings at a later stage. Mr Lundon brought the Rua case forward again by stating that the jury had failed to agree on one of the charges against Rua—that of doing grievous bodily harm—and as the Crown appeared to have no evidence Rua should be brought to immediate trial on the charge and acquitted. An application for re-trial had been granted, and Rua wished to be dealt with at once. His Honour formally adjourned the case until Tuesday next, Mr Tole desiring an opportunity to explain the position to the Solicitor-General.