Trial Of Tangeroa

NZ Truth, Issue 976, 9 August 1924, Page 12

Trial Of Tangeroa

( pathetic Case of Insanity.

"You are a damn liar;^! will communicate Ayith' God to clean you up!" This was one of many threats uttered by the.Ma,ori, Enuera Tangeroa, who appeared m the dock at the Supreme Court, Palmerston North, this week, to answer a charge of having, on April 27 last, attempted to murder William Ross, at Parewanui, by shooting him m the back. The case, which was heard m the lower Court, was one which suggested a strong grain of insanity m the nature of the accused native, and this suspicion was confirmed as the hearing of the Supreme Court case proceeded. Tangeroa, who appeared m the same tan boots as hitherto, wore a heavy black beard, and possessed the same wild- eyed appearance. Tanger.oa was almost pathetic as ho elected to go into the box and give evidence on his own behalf. It was of no use, however, for he could not make himself understood, and frequently pulled up the interpreter, warning him to be careful. . The jury did not retire, but, after a minute's consultation, tjiey returned a verdict that Tangeroa had been insane when the crime was committed, and he should be acquitted on that account. The Court ordered that Tangeroa be confined to prison during the pleasure of the Minister of Justice. Tangeroa asked if he was declared to be a sinner or a righteous man. His Honor, Mr. Justice Reed, humored' him and told him he was not a sinner, merely unfortunate. Tangeroa took a loving farewell of his 14-year-old son as he left the Court.