MAGISTRATE'S COURT

Hokitika Guardian, 13 May 1927, Page 3

MAGISTRATE'S COURT

THURSDAY, MAY 12th. (Before W. Meldt-uni. Esq., S.M.) SEA FISHERIES’ ACT. AFTERNOON SITTING L The Court adjourned at I p.m, and resumed at 2 p.m. Inspector of Fisheries v. Tuhurtt Tainui and George Tainui (Mr Pilkington) a charge of using an explosive substance to kill fish in Arahura river, to which they pleaded not guilty. Open Masone gave evidence that after his wife told him about the explosion, he went out and saw George Tainui on the island in the river, run up to the bridge, climb it and go across the bridge. Laurie George, jutir., said lie saw George Tainui running on the bridge, with a bag in his hand, fie went towards tt car on the One Mile road.

"Sergeant King (Inspector of Fisheries) gave evidence it was possible Imm Masone’s borne to identify a person on the bridge. Saw two fish brought by Kino Mason, and found the entrails mutilated, a clear indication of an explosion. Mr Pilkingtou said the defence was a, distinct denial of the use oi explosives. Me also [jointed out there was a large amount of illfeeling among the Maoris at the pah. George Tainui gave evidence that shortly after the passing of the morning train he went across the bridge and saw G. Hutchison, White's Hoad sawmill manager, and went along with the latter in his ear to Kokatahi. This was about 9.1.1. Did not use any explosive in the river and was not on the river hank that morning, only crossing the bridge once that morning. Ho was carrying his coat in his hand. Emma Tainui deposed she was the mother of the two defendants. She saw George leave the house about 9.30. and saw Tuluiru in bed for an hour after that. Air Pilkingtou applied for an adjournment to enable the evidence ol George Hutchison, who is away U'om Hokitika.

His AA’orship said the onus was on the prosecution to prove the charge. The evidence was very unsatisfactory and both charges would he dismissed. ASSAULT CHARGE. Open and Mabel Masone were charged with assaulting George 'lainui at A rail lira. Air Pilkingtou for Tainui and Air AlcCarthy for Alasone. Evidence was given by plaintiff and defendant, their brothers, daughter and other relatives being well mixed up, and the evidence was very contradictory, Mis Worship .said the whole trouble arose out of a family dispute. There appeared no doubt George Tainui took up an aggressive attitude and was only looking for trouble. Certainly he got hurt, but lie appeared to be looking for it. Ail the charges would he dismissed, each party to pay their own costs.