A SUPPORTER OF “KING” TAWHAIO

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 67, 10 June 1927, Page 11

A SUPPORTER OF “KING” TAWHAIO

AN OLD MAORI LAND CLAIM BEFORE THE COURT (From Oitr Ou'n Correspondent.) TE KUITI, Today. THE loyalty of one Here MoA kena to the picturesque King Tawhaio when to "drive the Europeans into the sea” was the goal of native ambitions has given rise to one of the largest and most interesting King Country claims that has been before the Native Land Court for some time. There is being heard in Te Kuiti before Judge MacCormick the claim of Here Mokena’s descendants to be included in the title of the Kaipiha block of 2,000 acres, part of which is at present held under leases by European farmers. Crowds of Maoris are in attendance attracted by the unusual features of the case and the extent of the claim, which is disputed by the 33 present owners, descendants of the family of Ripeka Tangi Turner, to whom the block was aw'arded 40 years ago. Mr. T. S. Withers, of Auckland, who is appearing for the claimants, descendants of Here Mokena, stated that the latter was a loyal and strong supporter of King Taw’haio. who forbade his followers to recognise the authority of the Native Land Court. In the belifef that his land would be returned to him when the Europeans had been driven into the sea. Here Mokena refrained from attending the sittings of the court at Otorohanga in ISB6, and in his absence the block was given to the family of Ripeka Tangi Turner, on incorrect evidence. Whpn the King movement waned the descendants of Mokena found their claim barred by statute, but under Maori custom they were entitled to a half share. The case has been proceeding since Wednesday, the 33 present owners disputing the claim, which they regarded as hopeless. A petition to Parliament last year was acceded to, and the court was enabled to deal with the claim, and to recommend the inclusion of the plaintiffs as part owners if It was deemed just. The case is still proceeding.