CHARGES AGAINST RUA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16215, 28 April 1916, Page 7

CHARGES AGAINST RUA.

COURT PROCEEDINGS BEGUN. THE HEARING AT ROTORUA. EVIDENCE FOR PROSECUTION. [BY TELEGRArn.— OWV CORRESPONDENT.! Rotoihm, Thursday. Proceedings against Rua and his followers were commenced at tho Magistrate's Court, before Mr. R. W. Dyer, S?M., this morning. The Court was densely crowded, mostly by Maoris. Rim's caso was taken first. He was charged: (1) With intent to murder W. J. Wright and others of the New Zealand police force, and (2) with resisting lawful arrest. $ Mr. Selwyn Mays prosecuted on behalf of the Crown; Mr. J. R. Lundon, with him Mr. W. A. Carter, defended accused. Mr. G. Hansard was official interpreter. Mr. Mays, in opening tho case, stated that Rua laid his plans well, Ho received tho Gisborno police affably and bolted on sight of Commissioner l.'ullen and the main party. It showed that he did not intend.to givo himself up or to discuss the matter with the commissioner. Rua ran away, but, was checked by the latter, giving the police time to catch him. His aim was shown by the actions of his son, Toko Rua, who made away and immediately got firearms. Rua showed his intentions clearly by counselling his men, "PatiiH," which means "Shoot them, kill them." The first shut was not fired by Toko Rua nor To Maipi, but bv another native with a pistol, who got away. The two men shot, Toko Rua and Te' Maip.i, "'ere given every opportunity to surrender, ~>ut (hey replied by firing and the police's counter-volley killed them. The Maoris 111 every case fired first. Mr. Mays traced the steps taken to get Rua, to submit to arrest. I

Constable Cummings, of Whakatane, re- : capitulated Rua's convictions, and stated that on April 29, with Constables Blakie and Keepa, he called upon accused, who was accompanied by his followers and sons. Accused shook bands. He was carrying a large Bible, and said, "I am Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost, and that is the finish for you." He then went to his residence. Accused was in and about the settlement during the forenoon. Ho was excited and showed signs of liquor. Witness described the affray, and Rua's arrest.

"The Big Fight I Want." Sergeant Cuinraings. of Rolorua, described his interview at Wai-iti on February 12 with Rua, who was accompanied by 100 people. Constables Keepa and Grant were with Sergeant Ciuninin&s, who told Rua that if he paid the amount of the distress warrants for his fines it would save him six months' imprisonment, and be would only have to sen-* three months. Rua said: "No, I not go with you; I die first." Sergeant Cummings said: "Come on, now; don't be foolish." Rua replied: "No; you out your hand on me, and jou start the big fight—the fight I want with the English Government. The Government is no good. He won't give me a license for liquor." He said: "I pay £100, £200, or £1000, for license." Run afterwards pulled off his coat and said: " You put your hand on me, I throw you down and then kill." Rua said he wanted the Governor or big Minister to come and see him. He had 1400 men, and would not, let any go to the war, as they had no land and no king. He said the Germans would win, and he would then be king of pakeha and Maori. He was too big a fellow to go to Court.

Not Afraid of Soldier?. Henry Tai Mitchell, surveyor, stated that he took letters from tho Hon. A. T. Ngata and the Hoc. A. L. Herdman to Rua, end told him that, failing em-render, his country would be filled with soldiers. Rua replied that he did not care if a million soldiers came. Their ballets could not touch him. He was Christ and the Holy Ghost and the prophet. At 5.50 Rua and others were remanded to next day.