R.M. COURT.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3642, 18 October 1890, Page 2

R.M. COURT.

EEGTAHUNA-FRIMY. (Before Col. Eobcrls, 8.M.) HOEOH SHOOTING, Police v, Ngawiro, Apariauia aud others.—Shooting pigeous out of Eoason, Mr Gould for defendants. Defendants pleaded- guilty, bu olaimed the indulgence of tho Cour as they did not understand the law Netalia, the-chief, made a statement to the Court (through th e interpreter, Mr Freefcli) that lie told the Maoris to shoot the pigeons on the Native land. Ho had received no notice from tho Government to discontinue shooting, He did not take the English Gazette, The custom of hie people was to shoot pigeons when they wore fat. When they were lean tho Maorjs did not shoot thorn. When they received notice from tho police the Maoris cetsed to shoot, It was their habit to tall birds two seasons in the year, once in summer and once in winter.

Examined by Constable Roache, witness said that where the pigeons rae shot was called Brownston, but it was Maori land, and the men were shooting on his property. They where shooting a long time before the Constable saw them, Constable Eoohe, sworn, deposed that ho heard that tho Maories were shooting pigeons, and going to the locality found the defendant with about 30 pigeons. Hearing shooting in tho bush at the time lie. waited awhile, and saw another man come in with 13. The Bench informed defendants, through the interpreter, that ploading ignorance of the law was nQ escusQ, However, as this was the first case of tlio kjnd, he would deal leniently with them. They must understand that they were liable to a penalty of £2O if they camo before him again. They would be lined 5s each, and costs, 7s. CIVIL CASES. ' A. H. Wright v George Jacltson, claim £1 2s, No appearance of defendant. • (Judgment for amount claimed, with costs LI 103. J, Jones v H De Clifton, claim L2 17s. No appearance of defendant. Judgment for amount claimed,'with costs 7s, Same v John Brandon, No appearance of defendant. Judgment for balance of amount duo, Bd, and cost of service, Qs. The Court then adjourned.