RIOT IN MANGAWEKA.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 39, 29 January 1912, Page 2

RIOT IN MANGAWEKA.

MAORIS MOLESTED. One of tho most regrettable features in connection with tho Mangaweka sports, says the “Settler,” was tho unaccountable latitude allowed one or two individuals to sot the law* at defiance and indulge in one of the most disgraceful scenes Mangaweka has ever witnessed. From, what we can learn there had been a burning desire on the part of one or two individuals to have a “go” with’ some Maoris who had come into Mangaweka earlier in the day to attend the sports. Nothing of a serious nature happened until late in the afternoon on the sportsground. Here the opportunity came, and within a few minutes a serious hand-to-hand conflict was started between a Pakeha and a Moan. The police came on the scene, and the combatants separated, the Maoris speedily making themselves scarce.

For a considerable time tho European section remained discussing the affair, ultimately deciding to follow the Maoris up town. The decision was soon public property, and a largo crowd left town to witness the fray. The spot chosen to meet the enemy was in the centre of the town, and outside tho L'angholmn Hotel. Tho scene which followed baffles description. A large crowd had gathered in and around the hotel, many waiting for the coaches to convey them to the station. Almost without warning two or three maddened individuals made a rush for some of the Maoris, who had put in an appearance. A general fight then took place. Within a few seconds some half a dozen individuals were yelling and rolling on the ground. Eventually the parties were separated, and the natives, provided with vehicles, made off for' the railway station), Tho pugilistic hunger of the Europeans had not, however, been ap-, peased. Horses and vehicles were brought into requisition, and those interested gave chase to the railway station. Here matters became much more serious. The native required for onslaught was quickly “spotted,” and soon some half dozen Europeans rushed the poor fellow, knocking him down and belabouring him with their fists, and otherwise brutally assaulting him. It was a pitiable and sickening sight to see the poor fellow yelling and crying. The station for a time was a scene of the greatest disorder, and given up entirely to a wild unruly mob.

Meanwhile the railway officials, who were practically powerless, vainly tried to get police assistance on the telephone. • In the midst of the free fight which appeared to he going on, the Maori was rescued and- hidden in the guard’s van. One native woman was struck a heavy blow in defending the man from attack. At this stage the ringleaders were induced off the platform, and shortly after provided with a' vehicle.and taken hack to l town.

The railway station was crowded with excursionists at the time, and those were added to by the excited crowd who had followed up from the township. The scene was a most disgraceful one from beginning to end, and wo doubt if so much latitude has ever been given to one or two men to defy the ,1a w. It was indeed fortunate that the majority of those wiho were present on the station wore law-abiding', otherwise more than one Maori would have boon crip-' pled, if not murdered. The whole affair is such a disgraceful one and a reflection on the town, that it will be interesting to watch what proceedings, the Police Department will take in the matter.