NATIVE LANDS CLAIM COMMISSION AT AKAROA.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1856, 3 February 1880, Page 2

NATIVE LANDS CLAIM COMMISSION AT AKAROA.

[Br Tesbgbafh.] [FfiOiE OFS OTO COHBBSPONDBNT.] AKAROA, February 2. A large number ef the natives assembled here to-day to meet Commissioners of Native Land Claims. Their representatives from Little River, Onuku, Wainui, Port Levy, Taumntu, Temuka, Kaiapoi, and Waikouaiti were present. The Commissioners, Messrs Smith and Nairn, opened the Commission formally in the Oddfellows'" Hall. Mr Clark, of the Native Department, acted as interpreter, and informed the natives- present that the sitting would be adjourned, owing to the illness of Mr Izard, until after the sitting of the Dunedin Court on the ISih instant. A sitting would be held in Christchurch on the 6th instant to examine documents in connection with the claims. Tikou moved, and Kuri seconded, a vets of thanks to the Commissioners for their attendance. Tawha asked if notice of the adjourned meeting would be sent to all the natives ? The reply was that [the Rev. Or. P. Mute would be asked to send in a list of all natives interested. The Rev. G-. P. Mutu wished to know if the notice was in the nature of a command to attend, as it was a busy time, and it might be of more importance to stay at work than go to a sitting of the Commission. The Commissioners replied that all Native* were not bound to attend, only if interested and they so wished. But if it was found that any person absent could give important evidence, a summons would be issued for hi* attendance. The meeting »a« then a^jf-urned.