THE MAORI PRISONERS.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 2, Issue 216, 19 July 1879, Page 2

THE MAORI PRISONERS.

Ngamari, Toti, Rangi, Te Hama, and Ikaroa were charged (reports' the N.Z. Times) at the Resident Magistrate's Court Wellington, on Thursday, before T. A. Mansford, Esq,, R.M., with having on June 29th, entered upon certain land at Opunnke, and ploughed up a portion of it inflicting damages amounting to more than £5 in value. They were also charged with assembling for the purpose of creating a riot, and refusing to disperse when ordered. The prisoners were defended by Mr Gully, Mr Bell prosecuting. Mr Butler was sworn in as interpreter. The circumstances of the case, as deposed to by Sergeant-Major Duneen, were to the effect that on the day named, the four latter prisoners were ploughing on the land in question which is near Te Namu station. The ground consisted of ten acres, and was the property of the Government. Part of it was used as a paddock for the Constabulary horses, and part as a cricket ground. The four prisoners were ploughing there with one plough and two horses about midday. They were ploughing in the middle of the ten acres, on the portion used for a cricket ground, of which they ploughed up about three acres. They would not desist when ordered, and their plough was seined and removed to the other side of the stream by the order of Sub-inspector Goridg- The prisoners returned to the land and started ploughing again, Tlioy subsequently left and proceeded towards their villages, but were met by Ngamari who returned with them to the land and were about to start ploughing again under Ngamari's orders, when their horses were seized and again removed. Ngamari would not go off the the land when ordered, and was consequently arrested, —Corroborative evidence having been given, the prisoners were committed for trial, they reserving their defence. Thirteen Maories, namely, Huanga, Huirua, Renau, Kohi, Rangi, Te Hama To Rerewa, Ikaroa, Takuta. Taurua, Rangihaeta, Wiremu Kingi, Matakatea, and Tama Nolio Mai, were then charged with trespass, and with assembling in force and with arms. The particulars in this case as deposed to by Sergeant-Major Dueen, and two other members of the A. 0. foice were to the effect that on the sth July the prisoners .rssembled at Mr Bailey's land at Taranaki, and pulled down the fence, substituting for it, a Maori " pig-proof" fence, with a ditch. They were arrested by order of Sub-Inspector Goring, and some offered resistance, while others went quietly. The prisoners reserved their defencs and were committed for trial.