NATIVE LANDS COURT.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume III, Issue 256, 17 March 1875, Page 2

NATIVE LANDS COURT.

Tuesday, March 9, 1875. [Before Judge Rogan (presiding); Hone I’eti; and Wikiriwhi Ti: Tuaha, Assessors.] Hehu Herua Block. The Court said that with reference to this block after a full consideration of the evidence brought forward by Panapa on the other side, its decision won Id be that the boundary line shown be taken halfway between the boundaries claimed by each side. Waihora Block, 2875 acres. The hearing of this case being objected to on the ground of an incorrect survey, was withdrawn. Wednesday, March 10, 1875. Tokopa Block, 3,229 acres. Pimia Ata sworn : This land is on the opposite side to the ferry at the big river, This land comes to me from Ratu. He got it by gift from Ngatimaru. Pnkitanga, one of their chiefs gave it- to Bam. It was to heal a quarrel that the land was given. Ratu lived on the land and his sons after him. There was no trouble then. The ownership is disputed now. Wi Petene : I claim in that block from my ancestor Pukitonga who lived on the land. Tomy knowledge thisland was given to Pimia’s ancestor for a cultivation only. lam iu possession at the present time. I know about this land having been given to Ratu to heal a quarrel. I objected to the survey more than once. It was eventually surveyed by stealth. Rapata Wakapuhia : This laud is Ngatirnarus. I am not clear as to Pimia’s claim. The land was given to Ratu for a short time. The laud was given during a family quarrel between brothers, Ratu got the land because there was no place for him. He also belonged to Ngatimaru, Pimia is a descendant of Ratu. Her claim is cold on the younger brother. Miriama Turahire, Tarnihana Ruatapu, Rapata Wahawaha, Matenga Tukariao, and others were examined minutely, and at a voluminous length in support of claimants and counter-claimants, after which the Court declared the case closed. Wi Patene in addressing the Court said that the land was asked for by Hine Hoki and was given to Ratu for a while. His people had workad on the land from then up to the present time. His house and burial ground were on the ground, and he had grown up and his children born and bred there. He contended that Ratu’s right ended with him. Hariata, Tarnihana, and Mokena were also working there. He had stopped the survey three times.

Pimia Ata then shortly reviewed the evidence of the counter-claimants, and denied the correctness of liopata Wakapuhia’s statement. Thursday, March 11, 1875. Takopa Block. The judgment of the Court is in favor of Raltt and his descendants, Pimia and those with her. Major Kopata’s claim is the same as Ngatimaru. Wi Patene said that he would have the case re-heard. Kouru Block, 271 Acres. Wi Mahuika. sworn, said: I and others own this land. My tribo is the Whanauataupara. The ancestor who owned the land was Takitaki. Ratiicra Tiari put in a claim on behalf of his wife and children. (Not admitted.) Paora Haupa said the land came from Taupara. It was never given to Takitaki alone. He'then named several who were putin by Wi Mahuika who were not descendants. By Wi Mahuika : We have killed birds on that land. You are a youngster and know nothing about it. Wi Haronga: I am a descendant of Taupara, and I can claim from him for this land. Mater.ga Tukareao traced from Taupara. He put in a claim through his wife. Pimia Ata also claims as a descendant of Taupara. Eperuha Tipuna claimed from Takitaki. Peli Morete put in an ancestral claim. Judgment deferred. Tapuihikitia Block, 509 Acres. Panapa Waihopi, sworn said: The right to this land is derived from four ancestors, Rehunga, Hewenga, Kuril Kaliu and Tahito. The tribe from these ancestors is Ngapotiki. This iand has been lived on from the time of our ancestors until now. Our houses and

cultivations are on the land now. Hone Kewa claimed as a descendant of Tahito. Panapa admitted this, but that he had no claim as he had not lived on the land. Hone Kewa, sworn stated: My claim is an ancestral - one through my ancestor Tahito. Some of my ancestors are buried on the land. Pita te Hu Hu spoke in support of Hone Kewa’s evidence.