A MAORI CASE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXVII, Issue 10656, 27 May 1913, Page 5

A MAORI CASE.

At Palmerston Supreme Court on Monday, Elwaid Sutherland (Mr Collins) sued Rangipouri Maiumaru (Mr Cooper) for accounts and possession of documents Defendant was secretary of the Kurahaupo Maori Council, and had, it was alleged, collected certain moneys on behalf of the Council. The certain moneys alleged to have been collected were for pumosesjjof sanitation and general improvement amongst the Maoris at the various pahs included under the jurisdiction of the above named Maori Council. It was alleged by plaintiff that the money and certain documents had not been produced. Edward Sutherland, plaintiff and chairman of Kurahaupo Maori Council stated that the duties of defsndant were to record the doings of the Council and to receive all dog tax monies. On February 12th, 1913, defendant tendered his resignation to witness. Plaintiff wrote to him asking for a statement of accounts, which appeared to be complicated, and which he could not understand. On March .17 plaintiff and defendant" were to meet at Bulls. Defendant did not attend at the meeting,but the Council received a' wire from Wellington stating that defendant was coming that afternoon. The meeting was then adjourned till 4.30 but still there was no appearance of the secretary. A resolution was then passed by the Council to take joint proceedings. All cash received should have been paid into the bank but this had not been done. To Mr Cooper: He did not speak for a statement of accounts earlier as he thought defendant was an honest man. A quarterly statement did not go to the Minister, but a letter was seat explaining the position. The case was then adjourned till Thursday next.