RUA BEFORE THE COURT.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXX, Issue 21, 29 April 1916, Page 8

RUA BEFORE THE COURT.

EVIDENCE PROCEEDING. Per Press Association. Kotorua, April 28. In the Rua case Constable Grant, cross-examined, said that he heard Inspector Cullen call to the police not to fire when, Toko Rua ran away. He was certain' that the police did .not lire the first shot. ■. ...•. ~ Constable Grant stated'that he, was sure a Maori.fired, the first shot, .and' ,inspector Ciijlen, |( when • Ruaaway told- the. pplicetiot' to fire. _., j Inspector, Cullen stated, that. „ the Police-did not fire'tilf fired on. When the firing began he appealed to Rua td'stopit, without effect.- The firing went on for 15 to 20 minutes, and witness again appealed to Rua to stop it. After conversation with the Native women he went towards the firing, calling out in Maori that firing had ceased. Had R"a stopped it when first appealed to the lives of Toko'-B.ua and Maipi would have been saved; and softie of tlie po*' ce would not have been wounded. At the beginning of the affray Rua : called put ,V Patua;"'. «■■■'•■.•■■ ' . •

'There' was,', considerable discussion as toi the meaning of this. term, ri the prosecution . contending' :ijt means '•'strike," or "hit," and the other side submitting it might mean am hit." Rua's case was adjourned; until the next day, ■ and the cases of the other Maoris were adjourned till Monday.' The inquest on the skin Maoris was further•adjourned till Tuesday*