MAORI M.P. FINED

Chronicle (Levin), 5 March 1947, Page 8

MAORI M.P. FINED

WANGANUI, Mar. 4. Matiu I'atana, M.P. for Wostern Maori, was lined £55 and costs 17s. iu the Magistrate's Court at Marton today by Mr. A. Colenian B.M., for failure to elear variegated tliistle from his property in conipJiance with the Noxious VVeeds Act whieh is operated by the Itangitikei County Council. The property is ovvned by the estate of the late Wiremu Pataua and on his death canie uiuler the control of the Wangaehu native developnient seheme. After evidence had been given by the county insiiector, Mr. J. Robinson, the Magistrate asked defendant if lie had iinytliing to say. "I just want to lind out what all the fuss about variegated thistle is aliout?" defendant replied. "There has been some work done on the propertv. There have been some statements made by the honourable gentlernan (Mr. Pobinson) that 1 don't approve of. He says there are seven acres to lie cleared„lmt there are only two." Mr. Roliinson: IIow niany mcn did you employ clearing weeds? - Defendant: Two. Mr. Robinson: How long did tliey stay on the joli. Defendant: One day. To the Magistrate Mr. Robinson said defendant was head of the Ratana movement and should be an example to his followers.