THE HINE CHARGES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 186, 16 November 1910, Page 5

THE HINE CHARGES.

THE CASE AGAINST MR. KAIHAU. By Telegraph— Press Association. Wellington, Tuesday. The Hine Commitee after midnight took the evidence of Remana Xuhaka in the charge against Kaihau of receiving payment for presenting petitions to Parliament. Witness said he was with Horomona at Ngaruawahia in March, 1905. lie said that Kaihau asked for £ls for presenting a petition concerning Waipa, No. 66. Horomona went to the post office, drew money, and gave it to Kaihau. The Committee adjourned till this morning. Horomona continued that Remana was not present when Kaihau asked for money, but was when witness gave the money to Kaihau. The hearing of this charge was adjourned till to-morrow. Sir Joseph Ward said lie had a communication from Sir George Clifford that he could give no useful information re Flaxboume except that the total costs in connection with its acquirement amounted to £6OOO. The committee, after forty minutes' deliberation, proceeded with the Kaihau charges. Horomoana Watarauhi said that he met Kaihau at Ngaruawahia, and asked how to take the petition to Parliament. Kaihau asked for £ls to take the petition to Wellington. AVitness drew the money from the post office and gave it to Kaihau. Remana was present when witness gave the money to Kaihau. To Mr. Skerrett: Witness had lost the the case in the Land Court and had not consulted Kaihau regarding the question of taking the case to the Appellate Court. Sir Joseph Wavd called Mr. Carroll in the Te Akau case. Mr. Carroll detailed the history of the block from 1899 to 1905, when' Cabinet decided to purchase. Witness forwarded the papers to Mr. Sheridan, land purchase agent, who was directed to try to purchase the block, and was advised that it was safe to advance up to half the value of the land. Shortly after, bv re-arrange-ment of the staff, Mr. Kensington took charge of the negotiations. Witness had nothing to do with the details, but discussed the price with Mr. Kensington, They agreed that £7 an acre was a fair price. In 1906 some of the natives came to Wellington, wanting advances against their interests, which were granted. Witness took no part in the proceeding beyond advising the Department when in doubt. The committee adjourned.