A PIONEER’S GRIEVANCE

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2355, 23 November 1908, Page 2

A PIONEER’S GRIEVANCE

[To the Editor.]

Sir,- —There is a block of land, about 1600 acres, called M aihuka, •about seven miles frpm Awanui. I leased part of this —between 600 and 700 acres —, the deed passed the Trust Commissioner, and I paid duty on the whole block. While I was getting the lease, Major Swindley, J.P., starts a lease for someone else. A short time after it was subdivided. I got my portion and Major Swindley got his (his deed could not be stamped as 1 paid duty on the lot). I put on the land nearly 1000 posts ready for fencing. Then the present Government bought the Natives out and ignored my claim altogether. Mr Wheeler, Purchase Officer, knew at the time I had l leased this land and gave me to understand that the Government would be my landlord, at which I was satisfied. I believe Major (Swindley got back from the Government what his lease cost him over 5 or 6 years ago. I got Mr de Lauteur (solicitor), to draw out a petition for. me to present to Parliament. I* sent it, through Mr. deLautour, to the Hon. J. Carroll, with the Waihuka deeds. Several times I .have wired to the Hon. Carroll and have, also spoken to him personally, but I cannot get any satisfaction nor my deeds or petition back. I landed here on June 16, 1865, from H.M.S. Eclipse. I was through the Maori war and have resided ever since. I don’t own any land nor lease any. I have had, 16 sons and daughters, 12 of whom are alive, the youngest being 2 years and 6 months. I am 67 years old next February.—l alUj GtC " . IV. MILNER. P.S. —I received the Waihuka deeds l ist Saturday at Awanui Post Office. IV. M. Port Awanui, October 24.