MAORI CLAIMS

Hokitika Guardian, 18 February 1927, Page 4

MAORI CLAIMS

.MOUNT TO MO NT AND MANY TOWNS.

NEW PLYMOUTH, Fob. 1G

An unexpected claim was made before the Royal Commission, investigation Maori land grievances at Waitura this morning, when a Native asked for the return of Mount Egmont to the Maoris.

Kupeiiga Kahao was tlie Maori who made the extraordinary request, the object of which is apparently to obtain fees which are collected there. In giving his evidence to the Commission lie asked that the mana of Mount Egmont be returned to the people in the territory from Waitot-ara to AVhiteeliffs. This was the prestige of the people of the A\esf Coast lrom Taranaki to the Chatham Islands and therefore lie asked that it be returned lo the chiefs, with a provision that the Government he a trustee to control the affairs of the mountain. There was a pa belonging to the natives, lie said, just oil the snow line, ealled ‘‘Maril.” There wore people killed and buried there during the Native trouble between Waikato and Taranaki.

The Maori also asked for the long and permanent residence of the elders at Capo Egmont. which was confiscated. This place was about eight acres. They had to bring sand in baskets on their backs to improve the soil there to grow knmeras. There were also lamprey weirs there which were now being used by the Marine Department. Other petitioners sought the return ■ to (!::■ Natives of the towns of Hawora, Patea, Waverier and Mckoia and various fishing grout Is and pas in various parts of the province. It is probable that the ('nnmissioii uill complete its business in Waitara by Saturday. It will then return to Wellington, where on Eobruarv ‘23rd. it will bear Mr Taylor in reply to the arguments of Mr Smith i n the first, inquiry in order of reference, whether the confiscations exceeded in quantity what was fair and just. The next sitting will coinmence at Opotiki oil March 23rd., and those at Wlmkatane and Tanrangn on March 23th. and 31st. respectively. Pet ween the conclusion of the Tanrangn sitting and Easter the North Auckland petitions will ho heard. All Hi? Waikato claims will be taken at Ngnrunwnliiu, beginning on April 20th. Hawke’s Pay and Hast Coast cases will be taken