NATIVE LAND COURT, ALEXANDRA.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2286, 5 March 1887, Page 2

NATIVE LAND COURT, ALEXANDRA.

«. Thuusday, March 3. The Native Land Court opened here this morning before Judge Mail' assisted by Paratini Te Ngata, and Major Kemp as interpreter. Te Wheoro opened the business, and complained that many interested persons were not present in consequence of their not thoroughly understanding that the court would sit until the Bth insfc. The Court explained that the date in the gazette only referred to succession cases. The Kawhia natives, or those present representing the Ngat.ihikairo, then presented a petition praying that the court be adjourned to Kawhia, and there adjudicate on the lands to be brought before the court, and also the Aotea lands. Pikio Pouwhare, and others spoke to this, their principal argument being there were no public houses—that they had food there, and had built a house for the court to sit in. Also that if they brought their horses here they would be seized by the poundkeeper. Major Te Wheoro strongly opposed the removal of the court to Kawhia. The present court was far more suitable to the great majority of Maoris interested. What had been advanced in favour of the court's removal to Kawhia was trifling. People wero not compelled to go to hotels. There was far more accommodation here both for man and beasts, and food for both. He ridiculed the idea of any claim being valid for removing the court to Kawhia because they choose to build a house ; that was a private spec, and did not concern others. Rawhiti also strongly protested against the removal of the court, and some other chiefs. John Ormsby, (chairman of the native committee), on behalf of the Ngatimaniapoto tribe said, that one of the first cases on the list, and which they were largely interested in the RohiPotae, they would not be prepared to go on with it for some time as trouble had arisen in connection with that block between Maniapoto and the Taupo natives, who were cutting a boundary line to which Maniapoto objected. So some 200 had left to sec about it; he could not say how long it would take before the difficulty was settled, it might be settled in a month, perhaps longer, he could not say. The court would take time to consider in regard to the asked-for adjournment to Kawhia. It was hardly a sufficient reason to adjourn on account of there being hotels in Alexandra. There were courts now sitting at Wanganui, Taupo, and Cambridge, where there were many hotels, but they heard of no interruption of the business of the courts in consequence. The court would consider the arguments on both sides, and give its decision to-morrow. Rain fell heavily up to 11 o'clock this morning, which prevented many from attending. Friday, March 4. In the Land Court to-day, Te Tuhi addressed the court, strongly urging the claims the natives have that the court sit here. Assessor Parateue te Ngata informed him that he was somewhat late in coming forward ; that all argument on the subject had been heard yesterday ; and that now the court would, after due consideration, give its decision. It was of opinion no valid reason had been given by Ngatihikairo that the court should adjourn to Kawhia; there would be great expense to Government in so doing. The court was also of opinion that the principal reason advanced by them that no waipiro could be bought there as there were no hotels, waa not sufficient reason to remove the court, which all had agreed at Otorohanga. The court would therefore sit here and hear the Aotea and other cases. Powhare rose and again spoke in favour of Kawhia. J. Edwards also spoke, especially calling attention to the horses danger from the poundkeeper and want of food. Te Where made an amusing speech. He said that the Kawhia people had plenty of runs for horses ; that natives residing in that localitywere not prepared to put the Kawhia natives up to hotels, but if they went to Whatiwhatihoe there was plenty of food, houses, &c. Judge Mair: The Court will sit here at present. It is not known when the Ngati maniapoto will be prepared to go on with the Rohe Potae, but several important claims in this vicinity and Aotea will be heard here. Court then adjourned until Monday.