MAORI ARRESTED

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 51, 2 March 1939, Page 9

MAORI ARRESTED

ALLEGED ATTACK IN TE WADIOA POLICE CHASE ALONG ROAD [Per Pt ess Association. I ROTORUA, March 1. An attack was made upon Mr Reginald Smith, aged 62 years, pro prietor o£ the tea rooms at the buried village, Te Wairoa, when he surprised a Maori who had entered the premises in the early hours of the morning. Mr. Smith, who was awakened by an unusual sound, was opening the door of a sitting room leading oft the verandah when a strong electric torch was shone in his face and he was struck heavily on the mouth and sent reeling back along the verandah. Steadying himself against a counter. he observed his assailant, making off along the road. While Mr. Smith went for his rifle and to call the assistance of his son, his wife com municated with the Rotorua police. When about seven miles from the tea rooms Constables Donnelly and Kemp, who had hurried out in a motor-car, saw the lights of a car in front of them being switched oil When they came abreast of the car they discovered that it had been overturned on the road, apparently after striking a bank. Gerling out to find out whether anyone had been injured, they saw a Maori dodge away from the side of the car and run along the road. Constable Kemp gave chase and caught the man after going about 100 yards. It was discovered that the car. which was extensively damaged, had, unknown to its owner, Commander D, M. Fell, of Rotorua, been removed hiom his residence during ihe night. Mr. Smith had to receive medical attention at Rotorua for facial injuries.