THE TOHUNGA CASE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXVI, Issue 10403, 17 July 1912, Page 5

THE TOHUNGA CASE.

Per Press Association. Palmerston North, July 16, The charge against the Tohnnga Hingawata Topuroa, of having committed rape on a sixteen year old girl whom he was to cure, was advanced a farther stage to-day by Mr Thomson, SM. The evidence of Teira Hotenira corroborated that of the previous witnesses as to the quantity of liquor brought into Motnlti kaianga by accused (whisky, beer and schnapps), and the giving of it in cups to Emily Kata and her sister Louisa, also as to both being ’ very drunk and Emily sleeping in the room with the Tnhunga and his wife to-effect a cure of her consumption. On tbe morning after witness beard Mrs Beta say to Hingawata; ‘'ls this one cf your ways and means of healing?” Hiaga replied, " What do yon mean? Explain yotSiseif. ” Mrs Beta replied , "By assaulting Emily.” Beta,'Emily’s father, had a sword in his hand and said, "If that is, true I will out yonr head off ” The sword was taken from him. Hiuga, witness continued, denied the charge, and said t they had better not talk any more abont it. It was freely stated among those present that father and daughter would soon die, as the Tohnnga, Hingawata, had too much power. Beta thereupon said that be would , shoot the first person he heard say thas he and his daugther would soon die. Louisa Beta also gave evidence as to the liquor given her and her sister. First cf all Hingawata gave them a quarter cf a cup of whisky each, and then more than holl a cup each. They then had some beer* They refused coco, bnt their grandfather threatened that* he would out their heads off. Emily then went and had a sleep in' her mother’s •bedroom. Witness want and woik Emily up, but she could not get up because she had a headache. Witness want a second time but could not get her out. Hinga’a wife then went in and assisted Emily out. Emily was drunk, and Hinga gave her more drink, bnt witness could not say it was. Witness had eight drinks on the Monday night. She was very drunk, but Emily was wersa. ■ Sergt. Willis said that closed his case for the present, until they were able to take Emiiy Beta’s evidence. It was decided to adjourn She case till Wednesday next-at Motuiti Pah, when the evidence cf Emily will . then be taken. The other sis charges regardingfcakiug llqucr into the. , pah were allowed to stand over till .then. Similar hail to that previously allowed, viz,, of two £2OO each, was granted, '•