THE TRIAL OF RUA.

Taranaki Daily News, 1 May 1916, Page 4

THE TRIAL OF RUA.

SATURDAY'S EVIDENCE. By Tjlegraph.—Press Association. Rotorua, April 2ft. In the Rua case to-day, Sub-Inspector Johnstone stated that when the advance party of police entered Maiingsipohatu, Rua, who it appeared had been drinking, asked if ten sheep would be enough to feed the whole party of police snd Maoris. He claimed lie was the Holy Ghost. When firing commenced Rua was removed out of the firing line. Cross-examined by Jlv. Lundon, Johnstone said that betore the. Commissioner arrived Rua spoke in an undertone to his followers and waved his hand. He called out in Maori. During his struggle with witness no shot was fired till Rim was handcuffed. As Rua continued struggling the Commissioner ordered him to be frog-marched. After the arrest Rua ofered to pay the fines, but withdrew his offer on finding the expense* of the expedition would be adfled. Constable Moore, one of the adrancg porty, stated that Rua had been handcuffed when the first shot was fii-ed. Toko Rua hit McC'-owan with his second shot. Witroos fired fcur revolver shot* at him, und lie ran away. Wriglit was shot by Te Maini from behind. 'Before Kua was handcuffed lie waved to his people, who were on the rise near tha Gisborne track, »n:l they all went back, Rua ar.d h's se.m going with them. One Maori was batoned. The police gathered the Maoris' grns on Sunday afternoon. There might hrve been twelve, including two rifles. Tcko ran before the first shot was fired. Witness, as a policeman, was holdin.t a rifle in p»<ti»n to justify Rua in thinking he was going to' s+oot. Witness saw no preparations for hostilities o'hor than Rua keeping the Maoris together T. the trr.ik, :

The ease wan at\j»u:ned t# Msnday morning. There nr.- t.-n police witnesses Still to give evidence.