CLAIM FOR RENTS

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 937, 2 April 1930, Page 11

CLAIM FOR RENTS

ROTORUA MAORI’S ACTION REPUDIATION BY CROWN Special to THE SI7N ROTORUA, Tuesday. The case in which some members of the Ngatiwhakaue tribe are claiming rents and bath fees from land at Rotorua was continued in the Native Land Court before the Chief Judge, Mr. R. N. Jones, today. Mr. Wihapi represented the petitioners. Mr. A. J. Frendeville the Crown, Mr. R. J. Knight the Land and Survey Department, and Mr. Kepa Kliau certain other Maoris. Mr. Kepa Ehau said that the Maoris he represented dissociated themselves from the petition as far as the claim for rents and leases was concerned, but they were anxious to see that the reserves were not jeopardised. The position of those who did not sign the petition was that they did not wish to be paid for that which they regarded as a gift by their elders. Mr. Prendeville said that Mr. Wihapi had been most vague in his statement of claim. More proof should have been given, and he must fail by section _37 of the Crown Suits Act. Setting aside the privilege of the Crown, there was the Statute of Limitations providing for a period of 20 years, which had long been passed. Dealing with the lakes question, Mr. Prendeville said it was thought that all claims, problems and grievances were settled by that agreement, and by the setting up of the Arawa TiV-t Board. From the outset, there had been no neglect, and the moneys received had been spent on improvements in the town. Accounts had been supplied to those who were entitled to receive them. The receipts in 1888 were £3B. in 1889 £334, and in 1890 £425, so that the Government had not the goldmine alleged by Mr. Wihapi. Mr. R. J. Knight gave particulars of the rents collected from 1882 to 1890. After paying survey fees, there was only a small balance. At the time of the Crown purchase, the Crown never had any £17,000 as estimated by Mr. Wihapi At the time of the purchase the natives were well satisfied with the price paid and there was no record of any protest. Mr. Wihapi said that after hearing the various arguments brought forward, he was satisfied that the reserves and springs werfe exempt. The hearing was adjourned.