THE MAORI "PROPHET."

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2759, 1 May 1916, Page 3

THE MAORI "PROPHET."

POLICE EVIDENCE AGAINST RUA. By Telegraph—Press Association. Rotorua, April 29. The charges against the Maori "prophet" Rua are being further investigated to-day. Sub-Inspector Johnstone stated that when the advance party of police entered Maungapohatu, Rua, who it appeared, had been drinking, asked if ten sheep would be enough- to feed the whole party of police and Maoris. He claimed that he was tho Holy Ghost. When the firing commenced, Rua was removed out of the firing line. Cross-examined by Mr. Lundon, SnbInspector Johnstone said that before the Commissioner arrived Rua spoke in au undertone to his followers and waved his hand. He then called out in Maori. During his struggle with witness no shot was fired till Rua was handcuffed. As Rua continued struggling, the Commissioner ordered him to be frogmarched. After the arrest Rua offered to pay the fines, but withdrew the offer on finding that the expenses of the expedition would bo added. Constable Moore, one of the advance party, stated that Rua had been handcuffed when the first shot was fired. Toko Rua hit M'Cowau with his second shot.. Witness fired four revolver shots at him, and ho ran away. Wright was shot by Te Maipi from behind. Before Rua was handcuffed he waved to his people, who were on a rise near the Gisbonie track, and they all went back, Rua and his sons going with thorn. One Maori was batoned. Tho police gathered tho Maoris' guns on Sunday afternoon. There might have ocen twelve, including two rifles. Toko R>ua ran before the first shot was fired.- No policeman was holding a rifle in a position to justify Rua in think that he was going to shoot. Witness saw no preparations for hostilities other than Rua keeping tho Maoris together on the .tracK.

The case was' adjourned to Monday morning. Twelve police witnesses have still to give evidence. .