MAORIS CLAIM LAKE-BED

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 605, 6 March 1929, Page 9

MAORIS CLAIM LAKE-BED

OWNERSHIP OF OMAPERE NATIVES’ FISHING RIGHTS (From Our Own Correspondent) KAIKOHE, To-day. An important case was opened by the Native Land Court in Kaikohe regarding the ownership to the bed of Lake Omapere, near Kaikohe. Judge F. O. V. Archer presided, with Mr. C. P. Newton as assistant. Mr. Hubble, with Mr. Darby, appeared for the Crown, and Messrs. E. C. Blomfield (Auckland), H. F. Guy (Kaikohe). J. Webster (Hokianga) and Hoare (Auckland) for the desendants of the aboriginal owners. Mr. Hubble said the Crown purchased large areas fronting on to the lake and thus acquired the area in the bed of the lake adjoining the area. The Crown also acquired riparian rights: the right to block water; the right to use water; and possibly the right to the navigation of the lake water. Mr. Blomfield asked for and was granted an hour's adjournment to consolidate the claims. On resuming Mr. Blomfield stated that he had been requested to lead the evidence for all the opposite parties in contesting the claim of the Crown. A plan of the lake was lodged in the Court, which showed that it contains approximately 3,015 acres. Mr. Blomfield said they would show the Crown’s claim was futile as they would rely on the Treaty of Waitangi. Mr. Heini Wihongi was the first witness, who said he was born on the shores of Lake Omapere 72 years ago and had lived in the Kaikohe district ever since. He outlined various land transactions _ on Lake Omapere frontages and said that none of the transactions had any connection with the fishing rights. His people still used the lake for fishing. Further evidence was given by natives, and the court adjourned to Auckland, when legal argument will he heard.