RATANA “POLICEMAN.”

Waikato Times, Volume 114, Issue 19052, 16 September 1933, Page 3

RATANA “POLICEMAN.”

CHARGED WITH ASSAULT. HANDCUFFING OF WOMEN. GISBORNE, Friday. In the 'Magistrate’s Court at Waiplro Bay, a curious case of assault was heard toy Mr E. L. Walton, S.M. Defendant was a Maori, Tu'hi Kairena, who was served with a summons in the name of Sonny White, who pleaded guilty to a charge of assaulting Mere Ari'hi Wait!. It was explained that White was a' member of the Ratana Church, and was a Maori pollcemn under a certificate Issued by Ratana. Accused was called In connection with a domestic dispute between Mere Waitl and her husband over church matters, and on his arrival at their home he 'handcuff ©red the woman. Defendant explained that h/e had been commanded by the Church to handcuff the woman. The Magistrate, to the interpreter: You tell him that his Church cannot give him any rights to do such a thing. The Ghurrch has no powers and they must do their work peaceably. A fine of £2 and costs was imposed, and an order was made for the confiscation of the handcuffs.