TRIAL OF RUA

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2822, 13 July 1916, Page 6

TRIAL OF RUA

THE "PROPHET" IN THE WITNESSBOX. By Telegraph—Press Assertion. Auckland, July 12. The concluding stage of Rua's trial was entered upon to-day. Rua entered the witness-box at midday. At first he gave his answers quietly, _ speaking softly, in a light voice which contrasted strongly with the speeoh of other Native witnesses. As his examination proceeded, however, he livened up and gave his answers quickly, accompanying them occasionally by rapid gestures. Mr. Lundon stated that it had been alleged that witness had claimed that he was the Holy Ghost.

Witness: It is correct, as far as it goes, that I uttered the words: "I am tho Holy Ghost," but then. the Holy Ghost is in each of us.

Have you ever set up as a Tohunga or prophet: l —"l have as a Tohunga." In what respect P—"ln order to conduct affaire as they should be conducted." To do £ood work iu what direction?— For guidance within one's heart ano guidance to work the land for the workings of one's inner conscience. For repentance one should show' for his evil Ideeds by proper conduct in life." * , you .ever made any declarations hostile to the as a /Government, or the pakeha as a race?—"No From my youth upwards I have uttered no words against the Government c againet the European." Have you ever made any utterance giving expressions hostile to His Majesty the King of England ?-"No. I have always appreciated the goodness of his grandmother, and from her downwards. 1 have had nothing else but respect for the Royal Family. 1 ' • P avo , ?? u , ever suffSested, stated, or inferred that you would bo either King or Kaiser of New Zealand?—" Never " ■ Witness denied having an armed bodvfuai;d. He was accompanied on his Journeys by his wives, whom ho had situated in various homes. The homes were ranged over tho Tuhoi district of 3] OOfl acres, lands which had been occupied bv the original Maoris who came across the waters in the canoe Mate (ma. Witness now had supreme authority over the dis-