Patetere Lands.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3734, 13 December 1880, Page 3

Patetere Lands.

The Waikato Mail at Cambridge, publishes the following paragraph in its last issue :—" There is to be a fierce dispute over this block in the Native Lands Court next month, respecting ownership. Mr Creagh, surveyor, acting on behalf of Messrs Howard and Dilworth, has run his lines and surveyed some 257,000 acres claimed by the Ngatitirangi tribe, who are desirous of selling to the above gentlemen. On the other hand Mr Cook, surveyor, has done the same on behalf of the Association, and has marked ont 249,000 acres. The Ngatikiribiki tribe claim the ownership, and support the sale to the Association. The late whare burning was the commencement of the tribal dispute. It seems that during the war the Ngatitiranga tribe, if we are rightly informed, thought discretion the better part of valor, and, therefore, at their own request, were removed to Wellington till the danger blew over, When peace was restored they came back again, and were warmly welcomed, but now claim the whole block, as though they had never left it. The Ngatikirihiki demur to this altogether, and, haying stood the brunt of the war, and the risks attaching, assert that they alone are entitled to the land. The pointwill be a knotty one for the court to decide on, as each party is equally- determined, and both are backed by capital advanced by the respective would-be purchasers. It is said that there is a chance of-the interests of the latter being amalgamated, the wisest step apparently that both parties could take, leaving it to the court to determine to whom and in what manner the purchase money should be paid." The end of tbe business appears somewhat remote, and I very much question whether the current century will end the native troubles, complications, and litigation connected with the subject. The members of the association are, however, all men of substance, and as they can well afford to go oh spending money there is no fear of doubting but they will be kept at it until all the demurrers are overruled and the matters out of the range of the law Courts.