CLAIM FOR DAMAGES.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4539, 14 March 1923, Page 2

CLAIM FOR DAMAGES.

e USE OF MAORI LAND. At the Court on Monday last, before Mr J. H. Salmon, S.M., Mere Pereniki and another (Mr Porritt.) claimed from Papu te Putu (Mr Clendon) £3O for trespass, loss of cocksfoot seed, fruit, and willow wood. The plaintiffs claimed that they were owners of a block of land comprising about five acres, known as the Ngahungahu block, Paeroa. Plaintiffs stated that they had been in possession of the land for about 30 years. They left the property about two years ago, but gave no authority for anyone to go on to the prpperty. The} alleged that defendant had been seen coming from their property with wood and sacks, supposed to contain grass seed. The defence was ? complete denial of the facts as submitted by the plaintiffs, and a doubt was raised as to the plaintiffs’ legal right of ownership of the block. After a great deal of evidence had been taken His Worship said he did not feel at all satisfied with the evidence, which had been most unsatisfactory throughout. However, after careful consideration would nonsuit the plaintiffs, with costs,, solicitor’s fee £3 3s, witnesses expenses 325, and interpreter’s fee £1 Is.