RIOT IN MANGAWEKA.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXX, Issue 3436, 30 January 1912, Page 2

RIOT IN MANGAWEKA.

A DISGRACEFUL AFFAIR. MAORIS SERIOUSLY MOLESTED. One of the most regrettable features in connection with the recent Mangaweka sports, says the Settler, was the unaccountable latitude allowed one or two individuals to set the law at defiance and indulge in one of the most disgraceful scenes Mangaweka lias ever witnessed. From what we can learn there has been a burning desire on the part of one or two individuals to have a. “go” with some Maoris _ who had come”ito Mangaweka earlier in the day to attend the sports. Nothing of a serious nature happened until late in the afternoon on the Sports grounds. Here the opportunity came, and within a few minutes a serious hand-to-hand conflict was started between a Pakeha- and Maori. The police came on the scene, and the combatants separated, the Muons speedily making themselves scarce. For a considerable time the Emopean section remained' discussing the affair, ultimately deciding to follow the Maoris up town. The decision was soon public property, and a largo crowd left the ground to witness the fray. The spot chosen to meet the enemy was in the centre of the town, and outside the Langholm Hotel. The scene which followed baffles description. A Large crowd had gathered in and around the hotel, many waiting for the coaches to convey them t-o the station. Almost without warning two or three maddened individuals made a rush for some of the Maoris, who had put in an ap pearance. A general fight then took place. Within a few seconds some half a dozen individuals were yelling and rolling on the ground. Eventually the parties were separated, and the natives, provided with vehicles, made off for the railway station. The pugilistic hunger of the Europeans had not, however, been appeased. Horses and vehicles were 'brought mto requisition, and those interested gave chase to the railway station. Here matters became much more serious. The native required for onslaught was quickly “spotted,” and soon half a dozen Europeans rushed the poor fellow, knocking him down and belaboured him with their fists. and otherwise brutally assaulting him. It was a pitiful and sickening sight to see the poor fellow yelling and crying. .The station for a time was a scene of the greatest disorder, and given up entirely to a wild unruly mob. Meantime the railway officials, who were practically powerless, vainly tried to get police assistance on the telephone. In the midst of the free fight which appeared to ibe going on, the Maori was rescued arid hid in the guard’s vail. One native woman was struck a heavy blow in defending the man from attack. At this stage the ringleaders were induced off the platform, and shortly after provided with a vehicle and taken back to town. Tlie railway station was crowded with excursionists at the time, and these were added to by the excited crowd who had followed up from the township. The. scene was a most disgraceful one from beginning to end, and wo doubt if so much latitude -has ever been given to one or two men to defy the Law. It was indeed fortunate that the majority of those who were present on the station- were lawabiding, otherwise more than one Maori would have been crippled., if. not murdered. The whole affair is such a disgraceful one, and a reflection on the town, that it will be interesting to watch -what proceedings the Police Department will take in the matter.