A HUNTED MAORI.

Colonist, Volume LII, Issue 12767, 13 April 1910, Page 4

A HUNTED MAORI.

The escapades of a Waingaro Native are reported to be arousing considerable interest about Kawhia, in some cases amounting to disquietude, more especially among the Maori residents. It is alleged that he relieved a fellow .Native of over £4 in cash, together with some jewellery, at Oparau, and information to that effect was given to the police. The man was pointed out to the local constable on the racecourse on Easter Monday, but when approached on the subject he vaulted on to a saddled horse standing near, and bolted at top speed, with the police and others in full cry. Half a mile down a steep incline briught the hunt to the main road, up which the Maori doubled, with his pursuers hot on Ms heels. Turning a sharp bend in the road, he jumped off his horse and slipped into the scrub. The party proceeded to beat the cover, but all efforts to run the quarry to earth were unsuccessful, and the pursuit was called off. The same evening, with hat and garments inside out, the Maori calmly rode past where the police and others were waiting, but he was not at first recognised. As soon as Ms disguise was detected, the chase was resumed. While going at full gallop, the fugitive's horse fell, and Mr W. Armstrong's mount, a good jumper, cleared the prostrate horses and riderBefore the rest of the field could come up or Mr Armstrong could turn, the ■Native had slipped through a fence, and disappeared in the vegetation of a swamp. Although he has been sighted on various occasions during the weekj lie- -has so far evaded capture. It is asserted that the Maori, who is well - armed, is particularly clever in eluding the arm of the .law. It is said that on one occasion, years ago, he was . ensconced in a willow tree on an island, near Ngaruawahia, when "wanted," and on the police climbing the tree to dislodge him, he jumped into the river; secured the police boat, and pulled ashore, leaving the police in insular solitude. On another occasion, it is stated, he left the constable floating down the middle of the Waik'ato, in a canoe, while he swam ashore with the only paddle. A warrant has been issued for his arrest, but he is still at large. — "The Dominion."' ■• :> : / V r -