DARK DEEDS.

NZ Truth, Issue 76, 1 December 1906, Page 3

DARK DEEDS.

Mougouui Maori's Muddle. Charge of Attempted Rape. A heavy featured Maori, of about 20, named Huru Matiara, came up ilefoi'tj Mr Justice JLdvv.ards at Auckland Supreme Court on a. serious charge. The offerice alleged against him was one of attieinntin? to rape a little earl ten years of age at Mongonurßluff on October 30. He pleaded guilty and was defended by Dr. Bamford. The 1 child, a nice little cirl with long- fair hair, described how she was returning ' from school on the Tuesday m nuestion. She was alone. On the way nrisoner aid two other Maoris passed her gome m the opposite direction. She went on her w.a,y tow«.rds : Home, butj happening jo ;.turn round iartepT-pn was .surprised to find prisoner following close behind her. He spoke to her and proposed that she should go with him. She refused to have anything to do with him, and he then threatened that, if she did not climb the bank and <»o into the ti-tree with him he would "KNOCK HER DOWN DEAD." She was frightened he would carry , out his threat and so did as he, ordered. When they got into the ti-tree accused committed the assault described. Afterwards he let her go and she ran home to her mother. She was certain prisoner was the man. The two Maoris with whom prisoner was m company when the girl passed them gave evidence. They said they had not got a great distance past the eirl. when Huru made some complaint as to hi-s feet being too sore to allow him to walk further. He stopped and they saw no more of him. -> Prisoner gave a complete denial to the charge, but the Judge summed up dead against him. He said the evidence was so strong it warranted the jury convicting prisoner of THE MOST SERIOUS OFFENCE. In his own mind there was. not the slightest doubt that prisoner committed the offence with which he was charged. A child of such tender years' could not invent such a story. The jury retired at four, o'clock, returned at 6.10 to ask several ques--1 tions of - the Judge; and finally at ■ twenty to .nine p.m. the* foreman reported that they could not agree upon a verddct. The jury was discharged and the Judge ordered a new trial, this session.