AFFRAY AT FORESTRY CAMP

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 28, 28 October 1942, Page 6

AFFRAY AT FORESTRY CAMP

Maori Dies In Hospital TWO POLICE CONSTABLES INJURED (By Telegraph.—Pres# Association.) ROTORUA, October 27. Following an affray at the Waiotapu forestry camp, about 20 miles from Rotorua, Rahn Reihana, aged about 30, died in hospital this morning. Six Maoris were today remanded by Mr. Freeman, S.M., to appear at Auckland on November 3 on a charge of assaulting Constable G. W. Kilgour at Waiotapu yesterday. Constable Kilgour is in Rotorua Hospital with concussion and Constable G. A. Morley, who was also at Waiotapu, received treatment for a broken wrist. The Maoris charged were: Rehu Reihana, aged 19; Micky Reihana, aged 18; Ray Reihana, aged 36; Henry October, aged 29; Tim' Reihana, aged 31; and Ken Reihana, aged 24, of Taupo. A call was made to the police yesterday afternoon by the manager of the forestry camp in connexion with a small dispute about the occupation of a hut. On their arrival the two constables were allegedly attacked and assaulted by a number of Maoris. The police at Rotorua were immediately informed and Inspector Carroll, with a party of constables and members of the Army Provost Corps, went to the scene: They found those responsible for the disturbance armed with batons and ready for fight. After a struggle the police arrested seven men.