MAORI SINGER IN TROUBLE

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 226, 6 January 1911, Page 2

MAORI SINGER IN TROUBLE

ABOUT A DOG. ; London, November IS. Mr. Rangiuia, the Maori vocalist who has been in England for some time now, was proceeded against in the West London Court by an actor named Leslie 1 lamer, who sought possession of a brindled greyhound, valued at £ls. The dog was given to Mr. Hamer by a well-known actress. Rangiuia and Mr. Hamer met at Rottingdean last summer, and when the latter went to fill a theatrical engagement he left the dog with his new acquaintance, who took it to his house at Redcliffc Gardens, Kensington. The owner called there for the dog, but Rangiuia refused to give it up, on the ground that Mr. Hamer owed him money. When the latter called at Redcliffe Gardens, Rangiuia sent out word that he could not see him—he was "busy entertaining royalty." Mr. Hamer admitted that Rangiuia had lent him money, but denied emphatically that he left the dog with him as security; in fact, the money was advanced, with the exception of £l, after he had left the dog in his care.

Defendant said he had been seven years in England, and he was in the habit of entertaining the royal chiefs who sometimes came over from New Zealand. Mr. Hamer met him at Rottingdean, and asked him for the loan of £5. He told him he could not let him have the money, but he advanced him 20s, and after the dog had been left in his charge he. decided to send him £4 10s, but he quite considered that lie could hold the dog as security. Mr. Garrett said there was clearly no legal lien on the dog, and he ordered the defendant to deliver it up, and to pay 23s costs.

As the p'arties left the court the chief looked at the complainant and muttered something, on which Mr. Hamer called out: "Do you want to see me outside, chief?" "Mr. Pierron hastily interposed and drew his client out of court.