THE AWAHURI SURVEY CASE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume I, Issue 84, 20 June 1879, Page 2

THE AWAHURI SURVEY CASE.

♦ 'At the R.M. Oouct, Palmerston, yesterday, before B. Ward, Esq., R.tt"., Tapita (Tabitha), a young Maori woman, was charged by F. Jillett with a breach of the Survey Act, in obstructing a survey at Awahuri. Mr Staite prosecuted, and Mr S. M. Baker interpreted. Mr Jillett stated that on the 3rd instant defendant ordered him not to proceed with a survey ; he told her he was a surveyor, authorised by the Government, before he laid down the chain. She said she would not allow the survey to proceed, and coiled up the ohain, which she handed back to him; Bhe told him he should not go on with the survey until the dispute was settled. He had given verbal but not written notice. Mr Jilletl's assistant corroborated the evidence. Tapita made a statement in defence. She said she did not know there was to be a lawyer against her, and asked for an adjournment that Dr Buller iright be obtained to defend her. The Magistrate said the oase must go on now, as it was too late. The request should have been made before. Tapita said she did not understand prosecutor was surveying for Government. She admitted having stopped the survey, but claimed the right to do so, as the notice required by tho Act had not been given. Hanapeka, sister to Tapita, was called, but utterly refused to give evidence until her sister had a lawyer. She demanded an adjournment. The Magistrate replied he must decide the case without Hanapeka'a evidence, if she would no*- give it. Kataraina, another Maori woman, con firmed the statement of Tapita. Hoani Mahone, uncle to Tapita, was called with reference to title, but The Magistrate said his evidence could not be taken, as he did not witness tho affair, and title was not involved. At the conclusion of ihe case, Mr Ward said the weight of evidence was in favour of the prosecutor, but as there was evidently a misunderstanding.he would inflict a light penalty. Fined £2 and costs, £5 2s. Tapita gave notice of appeal on the groune of legal notice not having baen given in writing. She offered to pay Court coste, 13s but b'ankly refused to pay either fine or cost of witnesses ar counsel. The Magistrate allowed her until Monday to pay the amount. We hear Hoani M.,hone will pay the fine to prevent further trouble, as he thinks Tapita is headstrong. Wa also hear that Tapita' a party assert that thought the Government may have authorised Mr Jillet to survey it is really being done for the Ngatikawihata tribe, Mr Alexander McDonald acting in tne behalf of Ihe latter. This statement appeared to be confirmed by the foot that Mr McDonald was in Court " prompting" the counsel for the prosecution.