PLEA FOR MAORI

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 850, 19 December 1929, Page 11

PLEA FOR MAORI

NATIVES MORE PRONE TO THIEVING GAOL TERM IMPOSED Pleading for leniency on behalf of a Maori who pleaded guilty at the Police Court this morning to four charges of theft, Mr. Noble urged hereditary influence. Counsel supported his argument with a short excursion into history. Harry Tipuna, alias Andrews, alias Karauria, pleaded guilty to stealing £9 15s and goods valued at £ls front George Townsend on November 29; a watch valued at Ss and 15s in money on November 29; a watch-chain valued at £1 10s from Patrick Margy on December 8, and 2s 9id from William Reynolds qn December 13. Chief-Detective Hammond said that accused had been staying at a board-ing-house in Cook Street. He had left, but, knowing the run of the place, returned and stole articles and money from boarders. He had gone once too often and was caught. “He is a bad thief,” added the chief-detective. “He has been in four or five gaols and I think he has forgotton bis own name.” Mr. Noble held that Tipuna was a victim of hereditary influence. Maoris were much more prone to thieve being natives. “When Captain Cook first visited New Zealand he observed that the natives were born thieves,” said counsel. Harsh punishment was of little avail. The man wanted training in the right way.

“We will train him for six months,*' said Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M., imposing a term of imprisonment. “That will probably do him more harm than good.” countered Mr. Noble.