MAORIS RUN AMOK

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 646, 24 April 1929, Page 1

MAORIS RUN AMOK

Pitched Battle Near Gisborne PAKEHAS RESCUE CONSTABLE Press Association GISBORNJE, To-day. AT Te Araroa on Saturday night a serious fracas occurred when a mob of excited Maoris, with one or two Europeans, attacked and assaulted Constable Thorn. Cries of "Kill him, Kill him,” were heard by the white residents, a number of whom went to the Constable’s assistance and, in a few moments, a strenuous struggle ensued.

rpHB constable's helpers found it I i necessary to arm themselves with | pick handles before the unruly mob could be quelled. Two of the constable's assailants were knocked unconscious in the affray and were placed under arrest. Eight others were caught on Monday ; and one yesterday. The trouble arose when Constable Thorn had occasion to eject from a picture theatre a Maori who was causing a disturbance. A little later he was called outside the theatre, where he found two natives fighting, one of whom took to his heels. The constable gave chase, but was met by two Pakehas and several Maoris, who adopted a hostile

attitude. One Pakeha threw a stone which struck the officer on tho back of the neck and knocked him to the ground. The mob fell « prostrate man. Some caught hire. » throat, others punching and kic> aim. His shouts attracted the attriiti; of a number of Europeans who hastened to the rescue. The policeman was, by this time, in a sorry plight, and securing pick handles from a neighbouring store, his helpers soon quelled the disturbance. Several of the mob had their heads cut open and other injuries were inflicted. Fortunately none of the defenders were knocked out, although several received painful blows.