S.M. Won’t Listen To Maori Lands Squabble

Northern Advocate, 18 July 1949, Page 4

S.M. Won’t Listen To Maori Lands Squabble

Strong efforts by Mr A. M. Steadman to explain the circumstances loading to a bout of fisticuffs at O’Neills Road, Whakapaia, were firmly and continually repulsed by Mr \V. C. Harley, S.M., in the Whangarei Court this morning. Mr Steadman was appearing for Maurice Luke, 52, who, with his nephew, William Luke, pleaded guilty to fighting one another in a public place. Senior Sergeant J. Sutherland said Maurice Luke was proceeding along O’Neills Road when he came across William, who was sitting on a horse. An argument developed, then a fight. During the fray the contestants rolled down a bank covered with blackberries and tea-tree, got up, regained the road, and continued the combat. Apparently a squabble about Maori land had been going on for some time, the senior sergeant added. SOLICITOR STOPPED Mr Steadman said that Maurice Luke was not the aggressor. He began to explain how the argument had developed, mentioning a dispute over the dividing of Maori land. “I will not listen to any squabbles about Maori land,” interjected Mr Harley. Mr Steadman explained that this had a bearing on the case, and started again. “I am not going to listen to it,” broke in Mr Harley again. “You are not going to drag into this court anything about the distribution or ownership of Maori land.” Unabashed. Mr Steadman made another effort to continue. “Now Mr Steadman . . warned the magistrate. Mr Steadman kept on. “Now then, you are not going to fell me about it!” exclaimed Mr Harley. Mr Steadman went steadily on. “If you can’t cut it short I will put them both in gaol," decided the magistrate. TRIBAL COMMITTEE ADVISED. “That wouldn't be fair,” objected Mr Steadman. “I know it wouldn’t, be fair, but I am not going to listen to any more about the Maori Land Court,” answered Mr Harley,

Mr Steadman therefore changed his tack, saying that a man of 52 was not likely to start a fight, with a much younger man, as was William Luke. “My only comment is that if two Maoris want to figh tl can think of a better place than Whakapara,” remarked the magistrate. “Both will be discharged, and the attention of the tribal committee at Whakapara will be directed to the dispute.” William Luke was ordered to pay 10/0. the cost involved in taking Maurice to hospital alter the fight.