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Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 760, 5 September 1929, Page 11

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JUMUNA’S MAHOUT IN DOCK WILL BE DEPORTED Arriving in New Zealand six years ago with the City Council’s elephant Jumuna, Ata Ali’s departure for his native land has been delayed by a considerate Government from time to time, until his appearance at the Police Court this morning. A LI, described as an elephant trainer, aged 27, an Indian, was charged with staying in the Dominion longer than the term of his temporary immigration permit allowed. Mr. F. D. McLiver appeared for accused, and entered a plea of guilty. Mr. J. Mclntosh, for the Collector of Customs, said that in December, 1927, an order had been made that Ali be deported in January, 1928. He had been granted an extension until March to wind up a small fruiterer’s business of which he was the proprietor. There had been further extensions until September 6, 1928, when accused had written urging that he could not sell his business. He had been informed that proceedings could not be stayed indefinitely, but further postponements had been made. Nothing had been heard from Ali until a warrant had been issued for the Indian’s arrest. ‘‘He was given every possible consideration,” added Mr. Mclntosh. Mr. McLiver reminded the court that Ali had come into the country in charge of Jumuna, the zoo’s elephant. The City Council had asked that the man be allowed to stay in New Zealand, but that had proved impossible. The Government had, however, allowed him to stay for six years. Counsel admitted that accused had been given every consideration, but asked that an adjournment be made for a month to enable Ali to make one more attempt to sell the business. Mr. Mclntosh: I am quite agreeable. Mr. F. TL Hunt, S.M.: I was going j to fine him, but if the Customs officer j is agreeable The adjournment was made until 1 October 5.