FRACAS AT TE TEKO

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 5, Issue 28, 13 March 1942, Page 5

FRACAS AT TE TEKO

MAORIS FIGHT IN HOTEL

SEQUEL IN COURT

Details of a brawl which took place in the bar of the Te Teko Hotel between a group of three Maoris, were told in the Whakatane Court yesterday by Sergeant M. Farrell, when Tat Mea Hohepa, Pai Hau and Henry Patangatia, appeared on separate charges of threatening behaviour on Saturday afternoon February 28. Pai Hau demanded the services of an interpreter, though he admitted thoroughly understanding the wording of the summons. His case was therefore held over until this morning. Sergeant Farrell informed the Bench (.Messrs Brabant and Mulholland, J's.P.) that on the day in question he had received a phone call regarding the accused and their behaviour and being engaged at the lime had got in touch with a Maori who had often assisted the police, and asked him to make enquiries. The following Monday when lie visited the township he had learnt that the trouble had emanated from Pai Hau, who was reported to have interfered with another Maori who was lying asleep in the bar. It appeared that Holiepa had gone to the assistance of Pai Hau owing to his age. However the fight caused considerable alarm and could be described as serious. Unfortunately this sort of conduct amongt the Maoris at Te Teko had been rather prevalent, and he asked that the penalties be made fairly substantial in order that it might act as a dcterrant for the future. Both accused pleaded guilty, and were fined £3 10s and costs (275). "Don't you let this sort of thing occur again," observed the Bench, "or you won't get off so lightly next time." Fourteen days were allowed in which to meet the fine.