NATIVE LANDS COMMISSION.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1890, 15 March 1880, Page 3

NATIVE LANDS COMMISSION.

[By Telbgbaph.] AKABOA, March 14. The Native Lands Purchase Commission resumed at Akaroa on Saturday before the Commissioners. Mr Clarke of the Native department acted as interpreter and secretary, Tamati Tikao, in his examination, did not corroborate the statement of Puiriri that soldiers would be sent if they did not accept the money, but said that he heard Mr Hamilton say he would take the money to Murihiku. This witness handed in lists of persons who were interested in the reserves and who got neither land nor money. Witness did not see Governor Brown at Akaroa and could give no exact information as to the negotiations between the Natives and the Governor. He coul-I not explain why the people did not attend the Native Land Court in Christchurch. He supposed they had overlooked it. Immediately after the midday adjournment, Mr Clarke reported to the Commissioners that ho had taken certain evidence at Riverton in connection with the purchase of Murihiku block, and was also the bearer of an urgent request from thirty Natives of Aparima, asking the Commissioners to hold a sitting at Aparima. Mr Clarke handed the documents to the Commissioners, who decided to bold a sitting at Aparima after finishing their investigation at Akaroa. Mr Izard said he could not state what his course would be until after consulting Taiaroa. Hone Taupoki, of the Ngatarewa hapu, stated that he was not present at the interview between Mr Johnson and the chiefs, but was present at the meeting with Mr Hamilton. The meeting was held at the creek at Bruce’s Hotel, and the chiefs present were Akawa Mautai wi Karawoko and a number of the people. Mr Hamilton said he had come to complete the purchase. He would give no reserves, but would give £l5O. Wi Karaweko refused the £l5O, when Mr Hamilton said he would take it to Murihiku. After discussion Mr Hamilton agreed to mark off a reserve and the Natives took £l5O. Ho knew nothing of the deed, and if he signed a paper he did not know it was a deed. He got a share of the money. There was £SO for each hapu. Mr Hamilton laid out the boundaries. He was present at Akaroa, and wished different boundaries for the Onuku reserve, but did not know if Mr Hamilton consented. A portion of the Ngatirakihu hapu was absent. Those who were away did not get any share of it. Paurini Hiramea was re called and again questioned as to his statement that both Mr Johnson and Mr Hamilton threatened the Natives that unless they took the money soldiers would be sent to eject them. The Commissioners requested this witness to state the place and circumstances under which threats were made in each instance. The witness detailed the visit of Mr Johnson and his offering £l5O for the Wainui land, and stuck to his statement in regard to the threat about soldiers being sent if they did not give up the land, bnt wished to say that Mr Hamilton only threatened to take away the money. He said nothing about soldiers being sent. The Court then adjourned till Monday at 11 a.m.