ROTORUA LAKES LITIGATION.

Taihape Daily Times, 26 October 1918, Page 2

ROTORUA LAKES LITIGATION.

COUNSEL’S ADDRESS CONTINUED ROTORUA, Oet. 23. In the lakes cases, Mr F. Earl continuing Ms address to-day, namedV tke four principal tribes who claimed ownership in Lakes Rotorua, and Eotoiti, by reason of their common, ancestor Eangitihi. He quoted the evidence of Hamuera Pango, showing the rights of the Arawas to the lakes and * surrounding lands from the most ancient time. Eventually descendants of Uenukukopako seized the lakes and lands, and held them ever since. Counsel produced Land Court minutes to prove native customary rights, * and also referred to Sir George Grey’s book on Polynesian mythology, which gives a history, of Ihcnga and his discovery of Lakes Rotoiti and Rotorua while on a hunting trip from Maketu. Mr Earl made numerous quotations supporting his contention of occupancy, pointed out especially those which stated that the lands and lakes belonged to Eangitihi and his family, who dispersed and set up pas between Rotorua and Rotoiti and at the latter place.