NATIVE LAND COMMISSION.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1889, 13 March 1880, Page 3

NATIVE LAND COMMISSION.

The Native Land Purchase Royal Commission for the Middle Island opened its proceedings in the Town Hall, Akaroa, on Thursday, March the 11th, for the purpose of inquiring into the purchase of the Akaroa block from the natives in 1856. The commissioners are Messrs T. H. Smith and F. .E. Nairn. Mr George Robertson, in the absence of Mr Hopkins, clerk of the Native Office, was sworn as interpreter. Mr O. B. Izard, solicitor, Wellington, appeared as counsel for the natives. Mr Izard, in opening the case for the natives, recapitulated what was stated at Kaiapoi at the opening of the Court there twelve months ago, and asked that the evidenoe of Paurini Hirawea, the last witness examined at Kaiapoi, be read over to him. This witness made several corrections in the names of places and hapus, and in fresh evidence stated that he did not understand that the document he was signing was a deed. One hapu was not represented, ■ome of the Ngatirakeha being taken away to the North Island in slavery by Bauperaha, and some being away on pleasure. When he mentioned Hiukai he meant Ngaitaiema, and when he said Waiho he meant Onuku. He did not remember the deed being read, but thought the question of boundaries was mentioned after the signing. Both Mr Johnston and Mr Hamilton said that if they did not part with the land soldiers would be sent. Mr Commissioner Smith reinterrogated witness, who swore that both Mr Johnston and Mr Hamilton threatened them with soldiers, and that was the reason why they parted with their lands. Tamati Tikao was examined, and said he belonged to the Opukutahi hapu. Tutie Ng&tahu was present at the meeting Mr Johnston had with the people. The chiefs present with Mr Johnston were Hone Akaroa, Papita Mautai, Hone Wetero te Waparai, and many other people. The first condition was that reserves should be made for the people. If this was not given Mr Johnston was told that he might go back. Papakaihi was appointed to talk to Mr Johnston. He (witness) was at Port Levy when Mr Hamilton came from Lyttelton with certain Native chiefs who had a meeting at the creeks ear Brace's Hotel. The Natives would not sell unless certain reserves were made. Mr Hamilton promised 400 acres at-Opuku-tahi and 400 at Onuku. The Natives wanted reserves t .t Little Biver, and Mr Hamilton said that he would think over it till the morning. He agreed to grant the reserves at Little Biver. It was agreed that £l5O should be given for the land. Wikarahiko took £SO for the Onuku side ; Hone Papita took £SO for the Wainui side, and Mautai took £SO for the Wairewa. Some of these ohiefs had the money, others did not. This witness described the buundaries agreed upon. The Court then adjourned.