Posed As A Girl (Evening Post, 9 June 1933)
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Summary: Posed As A Girl (Evening Post, 9 June 1933)
On June 9, 1933, a unique case involving a young Māori man, Te Ahurangi Matene, known as Bosie or by his feminine name, Bosanna Laihae, unfolded in the Pukekohe Court. At just 19 years old, Matene had been appearing as a woman for so long that even when dressed in male attire, he retained a notably feminine appearance. His legal troubles initially began on April 28, when he faced charges for wearing female clothing, for which he agreed to refrain from it in the future and was discharged after paying costs of 4 shillings. The more recent charge against Matene involved allegations of fraud; he was accused of obtaining credit amounting to £6 14s 9d by falsely representing himself as a woman on several occasions in February. Testimony from Sybil Robertson, who owned a drapery shop in Pukekohe, revealed that during February, Matene visited her store and selected various female garments, including an evening dress, along with accessories like face powder. Sybil mentioned that she served him without realizing he was a man, as he presented himself convincingly as female. Matene assured her that he would be able to pay the account after receiving what he claimed were rents owed to him from Native lands. Had she known he was a male, Robertson expressed that she would have denied him the goods. Matene's defense attorney, Mr. Foster, highlighted that his client came from a respected Māori family in Hawke's Bay and had a history of working in a circus as an acrobat and trapeze artist from the age of nine, always presenting as a girl. This upbringing encouraged his feminine dress and mannerisms, leading him to live as a female. Foster argued that Matene had a substantial income from rent, with over £170 due to him, and asserted that he genuinely intended to pay for the clothing, framing the purchases as part of his regular life. Testimony from Thomas Bell, who had employed Matene on his farm, further supported the defense, noting Matene's excellent work ethic and readiness to continue employment, alongside a commitment to paying the debt. The court, presided over by Messrs. Lawric and Armstrong, ultimately dismissed the charge of obtaining credit by fraud, agreeing with the defense's arguments that there was no intention to defraud as Matene did not plan to evade payment. The case stood out due to its unusual circumstances and raised conversations about gender identity and societal perceptions in that era.
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