THE RUA TRIAL.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 160, 21 July 1916, Page 2

THE RUA TRIAL.

INTEREST!NG JL VIDENCE

AUCKLAND, this day. Several witnesses gave evidence in rebuttal in the Rua trial to-day. Inspector Sheehan swore positively that ho did not lire a shot at Manngapohatu. Witness did not carry a ride and his revolver was never room veil from its case. The inspector also swore that before the police advanced to the marae he saw Constable Skinner exchange .his revolver for a rifle. Cross-examined by Mr. London, witness said that while on the marae he kept Constable Skinner in sight. Witness did not see him fire a shot. H was true that Native women were forced to sleep outside without blankets.

Interesting testimony, with a strong flavour of reminiscence, was given ny Heyler Widdowhurn Bishop. Stipendiary Magistrate,, of Christchurch, who remarked that he was the senior magistrate of the Dominion “and still going strong." From 1873 to 187 a witness was translator and occasionally interpreter for Sir Donald McLean, then Native Minister. He said that the meaning of the words said to have he,on uttered hy Hua, “He pn era he kino,” was “Those are guns; they are evil.” The meaning of ‘‘patua pair,a ’ was “Kill, kill.” Witness related three occurrences in which he was concerned in the early days of Hokjanga. Hilling the year 1877 there was a tribal disturbance at Ponaketoro. and as an armed party aproaehed the pa a man rushed out in front of his people and said “patpa, patua,” at the same time giving a kind of war dance. Tmmed - ately following this shots were fired and two of the Natives were killed. Another instance of the use of Die expression occurred at Otna (Hokianga). As one tribe advanced the leader of the Uo’tv' tnhe rushed out, calling “Patna, mitua.” A free exchange cf blows followed, resulting in a death. Rr.hvt William Dver, Stipendiary Mag’s+rato, gave evidence as to the convictions wh’ch he imposed upon the nr’soner in tlio Whakntaue Pol i Court in 1911, ami again in 1915. Witness stated positively that ho told Rue he w"« niakinw a ereat mistake if he thought he could fight the law, as he would find the haw sf.rrmrmr H--m ho—