THE "PROPHET" RUA

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16685, 4 May 1916, Page 8

THE "PROPHET" RUA

CHARGES AGAINST OTHER MAORIS. INQUEST ON THE KILLED. (Peb United Peess Association.) ROTORUA, May 3. Horomona, one of Rua's followers, was to-day charged with doing bodily harm to Constable Falley, with intent to present Rua's arrest. Evidence was given that he tried to kick Fahe.y in the stomach and groin, and struck liim with a stick. Sergeant Cassels then batoned him. The accused; was committed for trial. Pukepuke Kauara was committed for trial, and bail was' refused, on a charge that, with intent to resist the arrest of Rua, he attempted to discharge a firearm at Constable Skinner. Evidence was given that the Native picked up a rifle dropped by Constable Fahey when 'he was struck by Horomona. The accused twice attempted to fire the rifle at Constable Skinner, but could not, the safety catch being locked. Constable Shearman covercd the accused, but, seeing that the catch of his rifle was locked arid that he did not fire, the accused dropped the rifle and bolted. He was pursued! and' oaught. The inquest on Toko Rua and Te Maipi was resumed this afternoon. Constables Rushtan and Rogers stated that .they fired at the two deceased. They believed that they and Constable Malonev killed .them. Mr Dyer said! that ho oould l not return a formal verdict, not having- seen the bodies. Unofficially, however, he gave his unqualified opinion that Ihe deceased were killed by the police in the execution of their duty and in self-defence. The inquest would be adjourned sine die for the Minister to take it further if he wished.