BILLS OF EXCHANGE

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 7, Issue 177, 31 March 1915, Page 4

BILLS OF EXCHANGE

As there is a considerable volume of business transactions between Maoris and Europeans in the Taihapc district, a case hoard at Opunahe recently will be more than ordinarily interesting ro our businessmen. It was a case in ■.vhieh recovery was sought on a Bill of Exchange. The solicitor engaged raised the question that under the Bill of Exchange Act in dealing with a Native no bill is legal unless it is translated into Maori before the Native signs it. The promissory note should have been translated before being attested. He quoted a Supreme Court ruling to that effect in the case of Andrew Given v. Waiata Wire mu Hipanga, 1.R., Vol. 5, Page 825. The Magistrate’s Court defined natives and half-castes, but the Bill of Exchange Act only mentions "Maori.” The opposing solicitor replied that it did not apply to half-castes living as Europeans. After argument, the magistrate said that the question had been raised in the Taumarunui election petition, and they would have the decision from the Supreme Court. However, he would take a note of tin point raised and find if "half-caste” was defined "Maori” in respect to the Bill of Exchange Act.