THE WRONGFUL ARREST OF TOURISTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10083, 19 March 1896, Page 3

THE WRONGFUL ARREST OF TOURISTS.

TO THE KDITOR. .Sir,-I wish to relate, with your permission, the exceedingly unpleasant experiences of a fellow traveller and myself whilst visiting your country. We arrived in Auckland by the s.s. Ovalau on Sunday, the Bth instant, and thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated the proverbial hospitality of Auckland until Wednesday morning, the 11th instant, when we took train for Rotorua, I breaking the journey at Hamilton for the purpose of visiting a brother's grave, whilst my travelling companion, Mr. Austin, proceeded as far as Okoroire, from whence he purposed to go by coach to Rotorua, meeting me there on the following evening, Thursday, the 12th iustmt. This programme was carried out. When we met at the Geyser Hotel Mr. Austin told me of his having met at the hotel at Okoroire two men with whom pour passer It temps he had passed the evening, and who were during the night arrested an a charge of robbing the Rotorua post office. I thought no more of the occurrence, and we set to work to see as much of the wonders and beauties of the district as the limited time at our disposal would allow. On Menday, the 16th March, we travelled back to Auckland and were arrested on getting out of the train on arrival at Auckland; marched to the police office we were searched —our baggage and persons— then charged —not on suspicion of having been concerned "ill the robbery at Rotorua, but with breaking and entering the post office at Rotorua on the 10th instant I Fortunately we had been fellow travellers from Haapai with Mr. J. B. Graham, who at once came to us when our message was delivered next morning, and with genial kindness cheered us up as much as possible under the circumstances, and then, after we had been marched up to the police court handcuffed togetner, appeared for us. The police asked that we bo remanded to Rotorua, and Mr. Graham asked what facts there were to warrant this ? The. police refused to give any information, and strongly opposed the granting of bail. References were offered to our bankers, and to several prominent citizens here, but in the interests of justice (?) this seemed to be entirely disregarded. Accordingly, we were again locked up. Mr. Hickson subsequently interviewed us, and we are of opinion that from this time his confidence in the police case was shaken. We, however, were taken to Mount Eden gaol in a vehicle, escorted by the police and observed of all observers. I need not dilate on the discomfort and ignominy of our position. This morning we were again brought into Court, and the police-sergeant stated that there was nothing to warrant our detention. I think I can state, without any fear of contradiction, that hod we been without friends in Auckland, I wish particularly to mention Mr. J. B. Graham and Mr. M. J. Sheahan,we would have been sent to Rotorua in custody, and our troubles would not yet be over. In conclusion, Mr. Editor, I should like to state that! have written this lett»r not out of mere egotism—from any desire to see my name in print—but at the desire of some of my friends who, sympathising deeply with us, think my unvarnished statement may tend to make a recurrence of such an unfortunate affair if not an impossibility a remote improbability.— am, etc.. Henry Moonbky.