THE PERJURY CHARGES.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 March 1917, Page 5

THE PERJURY CHARGES.

CONNECTED WITH RUA'S TRIAL. By Telegraph.—Press Association. , Hamilton, Yesterday. The trial of the natives on charges of perjury in connection with Rua's trial was continued this afternoon at the Supreme Court, before Mr. Justice flosking. Mr. Selwyn Mays appeared for the Crown, and Mr. J. R. Lundon for the prisoner Tahu Hirawengo, who was arraigned on a charge of perjury b.v swearing to the effect that a Mau'ngapohatu, on April 2, Wl6, at the place where Pukepuke Kanara picked up a gun, Constable Skinner was not there and had gone up the Gisborne track before Pukepuke Kanara had picked up the gun. Prisoner pleaded nob guilty. In opening the case for the Crown, Mr. Mays said it was inconceivable the police had entered into an absolute and huge conspiracy in this matter. The New Zealand police force was a capable body of men, able to hold up their.heads with any similar force in the world. Considerable skirmishes and argument during Mr. Lundon's cross-examination occurred. His Honor reminded Mr. Lundon that he had allowed him a good deal of latitude, and the time of the jury and the public was being wasted. He woufd not permit the introduction of irrelevant matters. The trial is likely to be prolonged.