RUA’S TRIAL

Southland Times, Issue 17786, 15 July 1916, Page 5

RUA’S TRIAL

THE “PROPHET'S” EVIDENCE. (Per United Press Association.) AUCKLAND, July 14. Rua’s trial was continued to-day, when the “Prophet” gave further evidence. Dealing with the approach of tlie police party to Maungapohatu the accused said that if lie liad wanted to be hostile he would not have carried out hostilities at Maungapohatu. There were many turnings in the road at Ruatahuna, and had lie wished he could have so placed a few men as to have killed all the force. The Maoris knew every defile. Describing the approach of the main force to the plateau accused said lie sent a message through Constable Keepa asking that constables should lay down their arms, and that the chief officers should approach. He said, however, that the request had been Ignored Commissioner Cullen took a short cut and said: "Haeramai Rua.” Witness replied “Taihoa, ’ putting out his hands. He had advanced three steps hut when he saw two policemen appear on the Commissioner’s right lie tried to get over the embankment to clear away the women and children. At that moment he was taken by the arm by a man who was not in uniform. He pulled his arm away, but other constables appeared. He half turned but they were so many and so weighty that he and they fell over the bark. One took him by the throat. He was kicked in the small of the back and on the knee, and lie called out to Neill, who had him by the throat, “Kill me outright.” 11c was “frog-marched” finally, and in that position he heard the first shot. In consequence of the ill-treat-ment lie became unconscious and heard no more. In regard to the alleged incitement to kill Rua denied saying. "Patua, patua" (kill, kill), as was declared by the police. His words were, “Kill me outright.” Later when he regained his senses a constable named Williamson threatened to shoot him, and to which he replied (in English), "Shoot me.” A sergeant put out lus hand to ward off the constable’s rifle. Prisoners later were taken on to Maine. Skinner had a revolver there and was constantly in possession of it until Marae was left. Air Tolc, cross-examining, asked accused; "You call yourself a prophet, of course?” In answer to a further question accused named three “prophets” preceding him. Two, he said, were prophets and mankillers, hut what he himself had done as a prophet had been for nothing else but the good of mankind. Mr Tole: “You were a total abstainer up to the time you met Sir Joseph Ward?" —Yes. (Laughter). His Honour: “Did he teach you evil ways?”—Yes. he took he into a public Utmse in .Whakatanc, (Laughter).