A MAORI CHIEF.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 33, 23 September 1911, Page 4

A MAORI CHIEF.

DEFIES THE SUPREME COURT. I here was something picturesque and even pathetic, in the appearance of a Maori Chief (in custody) before the Supreme Court on Tuesday last, says the “Chronicle.” Pauro Marino, one of the principal owners (according to Maori custom and usage) of the “Monkau No. 1” Block, of some 8000 acres on the Wanganui River, had been arrested for non-compliance with an injunction of the Supreme Court, .U its pievious sittings here, enjoining him to cease trespassing on part of the Block which the Aotea District Maori Land Board claimed to ho farming—an experiment looked upon with disfavour by some of the owners. Mr Justice Edwards expatiated on tho iniquity of defying the law, and the fact that Pauro Marino was appealing to the Court of Appeal against tho judgment of the Supremo Court, was no excuse for disobeying the order of tne Court in tlio meantime. It would bo necessary, so as to escape punishment, the . Judge said, for Pauro to remove himself and his stock. Tlio Maori, one of the most respected of the natives in the district, replied that he had no wish to offend tho Court but his feelings with regard to the land he believed to lie his were deeper than any respect due to tho Com t. Ho had been told to go,, but he asked where ? He had no other land to live on. If ho went he might have to go into the river. The Judge, v. nrned him that if he did not remove himself and Ins family they also might bo imprisoned.. This, l?anro replied, would bo what he would wish! He said it was as well for him and them to lie in prison as to be off the land ol tneir ancestors. He said he understood tho Government wanted the Maoris to become settlers. He also wished to become a settler He had cattle' and sheep and wanted to farm Ids own land, but when he tried to do so he was punished. He concluded by wishing the Court long life and happiness and went back contentedly to gaol.