WARDEN’S COURT.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 May 1927, Page 4

WARDEN’S COURT.

THURSDAY, MAY 12th. (Before Warden Mcldrum.) Diggers Sawmill Coy, (Mr Park), for tramway, Back Creek.—Granted. 'W. J. Smythe, (Mr Park),- sea beach claim Arahura.—Withdrawn. DISPUTED CLAIMS. A. Richards and Open Masone (Mr Park) for sea bench extended claims, Araluira. George Tnimii and Max Tainui (Mr Pilkington) for claims over tlie same ground and each counter objected to tlie applications. Alfred Richards gave evidence that on the 13th at 8 p.m there were pegs, hut no papers or marks. Pegged own claim on 20th. There were pegs Hut no trenches or papers. Helped to mark out for Open Masone on same day, 20th. The papers were put on next. day. Tainui’s papers were not there then. J. C. -Matfarlnne, licensed surveyor, gave evidence that the plan submitted was the true position on tlie 26th when ho visited the ground. The marking out of Open Masone and A. Richauts complied with tlie Act. Saw George Tainui’s pegs. They were of a- scant size, with no trenches, no notice except on one peg, and on one a letter “M.” There were two other pegs (supposed to he Max Tainui’s) no marks, no trenches.

John AV. Afaloney gave evidence of seeing pegs in on the 17th April, but no trenches. On ATay 9th again saw pegs. Scraped the ground where the trench should have been and found the grass roots intact. Those were claimed by George and Afax Tninui. On litb April the pegs on George Tninui were square pegs, and the same were in on the 9th. Open Alasonc gave evidence that George Tninui stated that lie had pegged out on 31st March. Saw Alax Tninui who said he did not peg out his claim and had no interest on the ground. George Tninui said to Richards, what are you doing. Richards said, can’t you see. (He was driving in the peg). George Tninui said it was his claim. For the defence Air Pilkington led evidence.

George Tninui gave evidence of marking out the claim, marking the pegs and trenching with an axe. The Warden said he was satisfied that the claims had been properiv marked out by Richards and Aiasone. He was not satisfied with the evidence of George Tninui, which did not appear reliable. The applications of Richards and Aiasone would be granted with costs. Counsels fees £2 2s in each case and costs £2 Os Gd. The applications of George and Alax Tainui would he struck out, ROSS applications. R.. Parker, renewal of Ross town lease.—Recommended. (At. Alinehan, renewal of town lease, Ross.—Granted. J Alurdocli, ji\, renewal two town leases, Ross.—Granted. It. G. AYilkinson, for lease town section. —Recommended. J. Phillips, renewal town lease.— Adjourned .