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Hawke's Bay Times, Volume XIII, Issue 562, 23 March 1868, Page 3

Quay Wall.—The Provincial Engineer calls for fenders, receivable at the Superintendent’s office up to noon this day, for building a quay wall from the crane to the Government Wharf.

The Mas.vwai-u Puechas-'.—The Native Lands Court has been sitting for several days to investigate the claims of I’arakia and others, —Hr VTra. Fox, by special request, acting; as counsel for the Government. The Independent, of the 17th inst., | has the following in reference to the above : —Since the arrival of the West Coast mail on Friday, wo have received from our cor respondent a further despatch containing the report of the proceedings of the Natm Lands Court at Otaki, on Friday and Suturday, hi re the investigation of the claims of those natives who di seated to the sale of the Kangitikci-Mauawatu Flock. On Friday, Archdeacon Hadficld was examined at considerable length, and gave evidence rcierring to the claims of different tribes, going back to 1810 in Ids narrative. Luring Ins cross-examination by Mr Fox, who appeared as counsel for the Government, lie was asked by that gentleman whether, in 1810, lie possessed a competent knowledge of the Maori language. The Archdeacon urged that the question was scarcely fair, and said, “You, Hr Fox arc rr.,rj C v,il!v considered to be an eloquent speaker ; but it would not, therefore, be an appropriate question to ask ‘Are you eloquent ?’” Mr Fox, in reply, said, “That though he could . ot say ho was a competent Latin scholar, yet, if asked what was bis knowledge of the Latin language after he had bceu six months at school studying it, he would have no difficulty in answering the question.” Archdeacon Hadfleld ultimately explained that, at the time referred to, he possessed sufficient knowledge of Maori to enable him to understand the statements which had been made to him by the natives. He had devoted his whole attention for a year previous to the period in question, io attaining m knowledge of the language.