SERIOUS CHARGES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20174, 7 February 1929, Page 12

SERIOUS CHARGES.

YOUNG MAORI ARRAIGNED.

GIRO'S EVIDENCE CHALLENGED.

"May I be allowed to suggest it may bo in the minds of the jury that they might not be inclined to convict on the girl's evidence?" said Mr. Singer, counsel for Hira Erucra, a Maori, aged 29, who was charged in the Supreme Court yesterday on four counts of carnal knowledge at Portland, Whangarei. The girl concerned was the niece of the accused, and was 14i years of age at the time of the alleged offences between August and October last, Mr. Singer's suggestion was made after the girl had given evidence.

"To put it mildly, the girl was an unsatisfactory witnoss." said Mr. Justice Blair. "Meantime, however, it seems to me I cannot do otherwise than let. the case proceed." Mr. Singer: Perhaps you could ask the jurv how they feel on that. His Honor: But you cannot do that until tho Crown has finished its case. Mr. Hubble, for tho Crown, thereupon proceeded to lead further evidence, including that, of a polico constable, who read a statement* signed by the accused admitting his familiarity with the girl. "The story is rather too remarkable, even for Maoris, for us to place any credence in it," contended Mr. Singer in opening tho defence. "I venturo to say that,' without tho accused's statement, no jury would listen for a minute to tho statements that came out of the mouths of tho witnesses. The ovidcnce of the girl herself is worse than useless, lor it is a mass of contradictions." Giving evidence, the accused denied misconduct had taken place. ITo had mado an admission of misconduct in the statement to the constable Uccausc he was told:—"Admit it. ft will make it easier for you." Accused said tho allegations were discussed at :i meeting of about 25 natives, at which he was present. Tho bearing was adjourned until this morning.