MAORI PERJURY CASES.

North Otago Times, Volume CV, Issue 13858, 19 April 1917, Page 3

MAORI PERJURY CASES.

OLD WARRIOR'S SENSATIONAL EVIDENCE. WHO FIRED THE FIRST SHOT? (Per Press Association,) HAMILTON. April 18. . During the hearing of the perjury charges against the natives at the Supreme Court to-day, an aged Maori named Paul Kiugi, whom one of the witnesses for the Crown allegcjl fired the first shot at Rna's pa on 2n|l April, lfllfi, made a statement in' denial. His left arm was now useless, as the result of the shot fired by the police.

Under cross-examination he admitted having signed a-letter to the Governor, stating that if an attempt was made to, arrest Rua, a shot would be-fired. Witness said he signed it, because he wanted to communicate with his friend, the Governor, because he might have given him some good advice." ■

Witness said that he was at the battle of Orakau, but did not; participate .in it. He denied fijjlitinij for Te'lCp'bti.' :