ECHO OF MAORIS’ QUARREL

Taranaki Daily News, 11 June 1930, Page 11

ECHO OF MAORIS’ QUARREL

SUPREME COURT PROCEEDINGS. FOUND GUILTY ON LESSER COUNT By Telegraph.—Press Association. Hamilton, Last Night. Kone Pairama, 45 years of age,, a Maori, was charged 'before Mr. Justice Herdman in the Supreme Court to-day with attempted murder. The prisoner, who lives near Te Kuiti, wounded his jitfphew, Tami Ahurangi, with a shot from a rifle which the Crown alleged was fired deliberately. The Crown showed that differences arose between Ahurangi and the prisoner prior to the day of the occurrence. On the day of the shooting Ahurangi, with two other natives, called at Pairama’s place for the loan of a dog. Pairama produced a gun which he aimed at ' Ahurangi. A struggle ensued in which Ahurangi was badly wounded. The jury had to decide whether the shooting was accidental or otherwise. Cross-examined, Ahurangi admitted that he and the prisoner frequently quarrelled and that the prisoner was afraid of him. Mr. Mackersey, for the defence, contended no intention to kill had been established. Behind every crime there was a motive, and it was difficult to assign as Pairama’s desire to kill his nephew the trifling quarrels they had had. Pairama was known as a quiet, ■harmless man, whereas his nephew had shown himself to be a callous, cruel bully. Counsel contended the prisoner was justified in defending his home against a trespasser. In summing up His Honour said the accused was -fortunate in not beingcharged with a more serious crime. There was no justification for presenting a loaded gun at a man. The jury, after a short retirement, returned a verdict of guilty of inflicting bodily harm. Sentence was postponed.