NATIVE LANDS COURT.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume III, Issue 259, 27 March 1875, Page 2

NATIVE LANDS COURT.

Friday, March 19, 1875. [Before Judge Rogan (presiding); Hone Peti and Wikiriwhi Tb Tuaha, Assessors.] Waihora Block.

A further hearing was given in this case, and several witnesses were crossexamined on either side, after which Pete Morete and Tiopira Tawhiao addressed the Court at some length, each being little more than a recapitulation of their main evidence. The Court deferred its judgment. Bakaiketeroa Block, 243 acres. Tiopira Tawhiao for claimants said the land belongs to the same ancestors as the Waihora block. Another tribe have a claim to the land, their right is different to ours. They claim from Moeke. All the descendants of Akauand Urumaiwaho have a right to this land. Moeke’s people got their right in consequence of a fight in which the descendants of the two first ancestors left this land and sought the protection of Moeke. He brought them back on to the land and they all lived together. I am also a descendant of Moeke. I do notintend to allow more than three of Moeke’s descendants on to this land, I name them. It is because they have no land that I let them in—from affection and not otherwise. Several objections were made to claimants’ right. Saturday, March 20, 1875. Bakaiketeroa Block, (Continued). This case opened for the objectors. Heni te Hauraki, sworn, said : I claim as a descendant of Moeke. My younger brother Peka is admitted by Tiopira, but he excludes me. My parents and ancestors occupied and worked the land. Peka and I are by the same parents. By Merihira, Tiopira Korehe, Wi Mahuika and Mere Kiekie, respectively gave evidence at some length, in support of their claims, and the Court rose. Monday, March 22, 1875. There was no sitting of the Native Lands Court to-day, owing to the indisposition of Judge Rogan. Tuesdaiy, Mauch 23,1875. Waihora Block, Judgment. Judge Bogan, in giving judgment herein, said that owing to the conflicting evidence the Court had great difficulty in arriving at a decision. The decision they had arrived at was that Nepia and the Morris family were claimants together with Tiopira, and those with him, in the sub-division of 507 acres claimed by the former, for which a separate crown grant would issue; butthat Panapa Waihopi, Tiopira Korehe, Akeniha, and Wi Mahuika had failed to substantiate their claims. Bakaiketeroa Block, Judgment. The Court held that Tiopira Korehe and Heni te Hauraki had made good their claims; but that the claims of Merehira and Mere Kiekie must be disallowed. Wednesday, March 24, 1875. Mr. Campion’s charges for survey of Waihora and Bakaiketeroa were put in and admitted. Okahuatiu Blok, 31,550 acres, (Continued.) This case opened for the objectors who were Paora Pere and others, Mrs. Wyllie and others, Panapa Waihopi and others, and Paora Parau and others. Pimia did not recognise any of the above. Paora Pere, sworn said: I claim from my ancestor Bongo te Uruora. He cultivated there. When returning he left a person in charge who was afterwards killed by Pakira. When my ancestor heard of this he went to revenge his death. Pakira and his people were defeated. Pakira then came to fight my ancestor, and some of his people were killed. From Taringa’s time to the present the occupation has been continuous. By Pimia: There was a succession of battles between my ancestor and yours. I know that you are also a descendant of Bangiteuruora. Hoani te Haraki, and Henare Turangi, sworn, were then examined at some length. Kate Wyllie, sworn said: I have a right to a portion of this land. The place 1 claim is Okare. Okare is a portion of Okahuatiu. My claim is through an inter-marriage. My ancestor Hinituralui married Tapiki child of Pokingaiwalio. They had no issue and Tnpiki sent for his wife’s younger relation and their children to adopt them so that they could have the land. Bapa and their children were placed on the land. M unu was a child of Rapa’s. Noa and Here others of his children. They went to Tapiki’s

place, on this place, and he gave them Okare. They lived on the land up to the time of Pikai being killed as already narrated in the Court. Here who was the elder of my ancestors, killed Pikai. Te tanga Mahaki being dispersed, the land became the Whanaua Kai’s as they were the conquerors. The elder people agree that I should be admitted as well; it is only Pimia that objects. Her own uncle does not object. Ido not dispute Pimia’s right to the larger portion of the block, but I do to the part which I claim. By the Court: No intimation was made to me of the survey, my relations were living on the land By Pimia : My mother did not work on the land but other relatives of mine have. Otene is related to both you and me. Tamati te Rangi, said that both Mrs. Wyllie and Pimia wore related, He had no objection to her being admitted as an owner. Panapa Waihopi, sworn, said: I know a part of this block. My claim and those with me, is to a particular place called Murihaua. and at another place called Rereapoia. The ancestors who owned this land were Ikarongo and Taupara who conquered it. He was defeated and we got possession of this piece at Muruhauro. My name is in the lease to Mr. Greene, and I take the money for our portion. I know nothing about Mrs. Wyllie’s right to the land, but no doubt the others do. The piece I claim for Ikarongo’s descendants would not be above IDO acres, that for Taupara’s descendants would possibly be 900 or 1000 acres. The Court then rose.