THE PERJURY CHARGES

Waikato Times, Volume 88, Issue 13464, 19 April 1917, Page 4

THE PERJURY CHARGES

The hearing of the charge of perjury against Tioke Hakaipare, was continued at the Supreme Court yesterdav, before his Honor, .Mr Justice Hosking. Mr .Mays conducted the case for the Clown, and prisoner was represented by .Mr Lundon.

1 upepuke was cross-examined in regard to the incidents surrounding the firing of the first shot, and his Honor leniurkH that if his story was correct tlieu Skinner could not have fired the first shot.

To Mr Lundon: When witness was in the Mt. Eden gaol he made a statement through an interpreter to courfcel's (Ink. His evidence in this and Rua's trial was en the lines of that statement. He had been charged at the Supreme Court, Auckland, with having pointed a gun at Constable Skinner, and was acquitted by the jurv.

Haupapa was the next witness, and after several questions had been asked as to when the first shot was fired, witness said that it was fired after Pukepuke had picked up the gun. Witness said that the police were exploding their guns all over the place, and not until Toko had reached his home was any native possessed of a firearm. Evidence of Paul Kingi. Paul Kingi, the aged native whom one of the witnesses for the Crown alleged had fired the first shot, said that he was a grown man at the time of the historic battle of Orakau; he saw the fight but did not take part in it. He ivas at Maungapohatu when the police arrived, and was shot through the back —bis left arm being now useless. He denied the allegation that he fired the first shot, and said lie never had a firearm in his possession on the date in question, neither were the other natives armed.

Mr Mays: Bid you sign a letter to the Governor, in which it was stated that if the police attempted to arrest Rua a gun would be fired.

Witness: Yes, I sent a letter to my friend the Governor. Mr Mays: Then it was intended to fire a shot?

Witness: Had this happening occurred in my early days something like that would have occurred. Mr Mays: Were you in the TJrewera in Te Kooti's time? Witness : T don't know. Mr Mays: Didn't vou fight for Te Kooti Witness: No. Mr Mays: Were vou not a follower of his?

Witness: Only when he ■ gave me something for my benefit. Mr Mays: Coming back to the letter, were ycu not the first to sign it? Witness: Yes; I signed it. I wanted to communicate with my friend the Governor, as he might give me some good advice. Mr Mays: Did it not mean that you were going to defy the Government Witness: That letter, in my estimation, was sent in order that we might receive the benefit of the Governor's advice. TO-DAY'S SITTING. When the Court resumed this morning witness was re-examined by Mr Lundon. Counsel: It was suggested yesterday that ycu were a supporter of Te Kooti. What was your attitude towards Te Kooti or the Government? Witness: At the time Te Kooti undertook to do what he did do I looked upon his work with disfavour, and did not come under his control. Counsel: Were you presented by the Government with a piece of land for, your services? Witness: Yes; I had that presented to me by Sir George Gray and Mr MacLean for the work I rendered. Counsel: Were you one of those selected to be presented to the King and Queen upon their visit to New Zealand? Witness: Yes; that happened upon arrival of the Duke, and I received at their hands a medal, als6 a medal from the Governor. In answer to further questions in regard to the letter sent to the Governo:-, witness said that he had received a reply thereto, and that answer had smoothed over the whole business as far as he wag concerned. From that time until now there was nothing but feelings of gacdwill and friendship towards the Government in his mind. The Historic Letter. The Court interpreter (Mr Hansard) gave evidence relative to the translation of the letter, which witness said, was a fair English rendering of the Maori' words. The letter was read and put in by Mr Mays, which expressed disapproval of the order from the Magistrate for the production of Rua, and pointing out that the cases referred to had- already been'\lealt with, and that they would not agree that Rua should go before the Magistrate. The letter proceeded to state that if the arrest was made "a gun would be discharged as this is equivalent to a The letter concluded, "although I be small I will face thee." j

The letter was signed by Paul Kingi, prisoner, and 28 other natives. This concluded the evidence and Mr Lundon then- proceeded to address the jury.