A DISGRACEFUL FRACAS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20701, 26 April 1929, Page 11

A DISGRACEFUL FRACAS.

CONSTABLE BRUTALLY ASSAULTED. RESCUERS USE PICK HANDLES. . HEADS GUT OPEN. . (P*a United Frrsb Association.) GISBORNE, April 24. At Te Aroha on. Saturday night a serious .fracas occurred, when a mob of excited Maoris with one or two Europeans attacked and assaulted Constable Thorn. Cries of “ Kill him, MU him,” were heard by white residents, a number of whom went to the constable’s assistance, and in a few moments a • strenuous ■ struggle ensued, the helpers finding it necessary tp arm thoinselves with pick handles before the unruly mob could be quelled. Two of the constable’s assailants were knocked out in the affray and placed under arrest. Eight others were caught on Monday and one. yesterday. The trouble arose when Constable Thorn had occasion to eject from a picture theatre a Maori who was 'causing a disturbance.- A little later he was called out of the theatre and found two Natives fighting, one of whom took to his heels. The constable gave chase, but was met by two pakehas and several Maoris, who adopted a.hostile attitude. One pakeha threw a stone, which struck the officer on the back of the neck and knocked him to the ground. The mob fell on the constable, and some caught him by the throat, others punching and kicking him. , The shouts attracted the attention of a number of Europeans, who hastened to. the rescue. The constable by this time ,was In a sorry plight, and, securing pick ’ handles from a neighbouring store, the rescuers soon quelled the disturbance, Several of the mob had their heads cut open, and other Injuries were inflicted. Fortunately none of the defenders was knocked out, although several received painful blows.