TRIAL OF RUA

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2808, 28 June 1916, Page 7

TRIAL OF RUA

"PROPHET'S" CHIEI? SECRETARY'S EVIDENCE. By Telegraph— i'l.-ss A:^c.c:otioii Auckland, Juno 27. Rua's chief secretary, a man 30 years of age, was the principal witness for the defenco in (ho trial of tlio "Prophet" beforo His Honour Air. Justice Chapman at the Supreme Court to-day. Witness said tho peoplo wore concerned about Rua. being taken from them a second time, especially as he had already been punished. Rua objected to that part of tho petition which related to "the firing of a gun" if ho was taken again. R'ua, however, allowed the petition to go, but did not sign it. A reply received from Wellington was that' tho petition was under consideration. Since that reply caino witness had. never heard anything about preparations for hostilities. Thero was a council on tho settlement. Witness proceeded to say that the people banked their money with tho council. Rua was banker. Mr. Tole: What interest is paid? Witness: Ten per cent. His Honour: Where does Rua keep tho money? Witness: Tho money is lodged with Rua for the council. Ho knows himself where to place it. He does not tell us. The people can have it Whon they want it. . Witness said in further examination that Constable Cummings threatened to shoot him, but did not produce a gun. He did not make a complaint to any of the other constables, as they were all "tarred with the 6ame brush." (Laughter.) It was a "touch and go," and the Maoris thought tho European police might turn round and kill them all. .;