Aitutaki Maori Charged

With Theft

ON January 23, 1944, someone entered the office of Mr. H. H. Hickling, Resi dent Asrent, Aitutaki, Cook Islands, and stole £252.

In February, 1944, in the lower Court, Rio Tana was charged with the theft, which he denied.

The case was adjourned until April 3, and then to April 5.

Rio Taria says that Mr. Hickling in formed him on April 21 that the case was dismissed.

On July 4, Rio Taria was summoned to the High Court, before Judge Mc- Carthy. On July 5, he was charged with entering the office, and with theft; he denied this, and brought evidence that he was sick and under medical attention from December 23 until February 12.

Thereupon, on July 6, he was found not guilty of theft, but guilty of receiving the money, knowing it to have been stolen.

Rio Taria gave notice of appeal. He appears to be making a series of counter charges. He has sent copies of the lat ter to the “Pacific Islands Monthly”: but these, in the circumstances, cannot be published.