THE RUA CASE.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 May 1916, Page 5

THE RUA CASE.

FURTHER EVIDENCE By Telegraph.—Press Association. Rotorua, Yesterday. In the Rua case to-day, Constable Moloney stated that Rua counted the ij if borne police and said, "Fifty from Rotorua. Fifty to one not fair." Te Maipi was killed when firing in the open. An automatic Browning gun was found lying under him.

Evidence in the Riia case this afternoon was mainly corroborative. Senipr-Sergt, Cassels stated that the main body of police were instructed to make sure the natives had no firearms. Rua was to be. the last consideration and they had not time to tell this plan of campaign to the Whakatane and Gisborne police, so Sub-Inspector Johnston threw a match in the powder by grabbing Rua and the trouble began, which they were anxious to avoid.

Rua was remanded to Tuesday when his case will probably finish. The other prisoners were remanded to Wednesday.

FURTHER EVIDENCE. Giving evidence in u.e Rua case. Constable Ruston stated that he went into the paddock round house on April 2 with Constable Rogers, and saw three armed Maoris. He shouted "Surrender; hands up; you'll be all right." Temaipi put his hands up, but the others lifted their weapons to fire. Witness dropped on his knee, and the shots went over him. He heard Rogers firing at Toko Rua, and Temaipi again fired, Witness fired and took cover at the side of a small whare. When the second shot was fired he saw Toko fall Temaipi fired at witness, who replTed, and he saw Temaipi fall. Maloney and Rogers also fired at a third Maori, dressed in a red shirt, -who disappeared between a fence and the bush. He had no doubt it was a "man.

COMMITTED FOR TRIAL. Later. Rua this evening was committee for trial at the next criminal sittings at Auckland. He pleaded not guilty and reserved his defence. Application by his counsel for a trial at Hamilton, on the grdunds of inconvenience and expense was refused.