45

G.—l

Henare Te Maire asked as to the probability of the Natives obtaining an award of 500,000 acres, as great importance and weight was placed on this by many persons, especially the old people. The Commissioner stated that there was not the least probability of land to that extent being given, and it was fruitless to discuss the question. All that the Committee considered necessary to do was to make provision for those who were unprovided for ; any claim beyond that did not appear to be recognised. The chief work that was requisite to be done to aid the present inquiry was to furnish au accurate list of all the residents at the settlement. On this being done it would be possible to ascertain the names of those who were either unprovided or insufficiently provided for. Several of the persons present stated that this class of information had been frequently furnished, and nothing had come of it ; consequently they could not perceive that it would be of any use on this occasion to supply it. The Government were in possession of full information if they desired to settle the matter, but nothing but delays occurred. Commissions of Inquiry had been previously held, and a vast amount of evidence taken relative to their claims, but nothing satisfactory resulted ; and now another inquiry was being held, with what result it was impossible to say, but probably the consideration of the fresh report would cause another lengthy delay ; and after that probably another Commission would be appointed, and further delays would take place. Commission adjourned till the 13th instant.

Feiday, 13th March, 1891. Commission resumed. Considerable opposition was displayed during the forenoon, and a great deal of argument used of a similar character to that of the previous day, as to the unsatisfactory character of the inquiry owing to the narrow scope of the Commission. The Commissioner pointed out that it was exceedingly unwise on the part of the Natives to throw obstacles in the way of the inquiry ; their,better and wisest course was to afford all the assistance they could with a view to aid a settlement of the question. On the other hand, if they were disinclined to do so it would be advisable to say so, so that the proceedings could be determined, as it was no use wasting further time. After further discussion, they consented to furnish the information required. Commission adjourned till the 14th instant.

Satueday, 14th March, 1891. Commission resumed. Engaged receiving and comparing lists of names ; also ascertaining and locating the owners of the several sections in the Moeraki Beserve in accordance with the subdivisional survey. Commission adjourned till the 16th instant.

Monday, 16th March, 1891. Commission resumed. Tini Kerei Taiaroa spoke about the loss she had sustained through the non-fulfilment of the conditions of Kemp's deed, and the promises made in connection therewith relative to schools, hospitals, &c„ Many of her relatives had not joined in the sale, nor had they derived any benefit from schools or hospitals. Iwa and Pukio did not receive any benefit; and Hinewetea's medical expenses were paid for by her. My elder relatives paid their own medical expenses. Personally, I have not received any benefit from the medical officers. Did not receive any share of the Kaiapoi land set apart for the Moeraki Natives. Beita te Pae states that neither her mother nor father received any land. At the sale of the Murihiku Block Kaikai received a share of the money. I did not get a share of either money or land in Kemp's purchase. I received one acre from the Court. Self and children have nothing to live on, and no land to cultivate. The doctors who were to be appointed for the Natives did not attend the Moeraki people. Had to take invalids to Oamaru for medical attendance at a considerable expense. Have paid £18 for medical attendance. Have no shoes to wear, only Maori sandals. Herewine Ira states that he has not derived any benefit from the allotment of land. His father had received 14 acres at Kaiapoi, which he gave to him. Self and family have received no medical attendance. Am unable to support myself and family, and I think the Government ought to consider my case, as lam a cripple. All my friends are unable to help me as they have their own troubles to contend with. Irihapeti Behu is a widow ; cannot assist me ; neither can Hoani Matiu, Tipene Tutakai, and Tanahira Waruwarutu. Irihapeti Behu : I was born at Otago when that block was sold in 1844. Schools and hospitals have been of no benefit to me, nor yet to my family. I have no land at Waikouaiti, and only a few acres at Moeraki; but insufficient for my support. Earn a few shillings by making and selling fancy kits. This is all lam able to do to get a living. Hoani Matiu : I desire to state that our right to the land was sold by others. My father's land was at Kaiapoi, and was sold by others. Taua Piki was the first child of Tuahuriri, the owner of that part. Matiu, my father, was a lino kaumatua of Kaiapoi. Tanahira Waruwarutu derives his right through that source. Matiu did not receive any land at Kaiapoi. Schools and hospitals were of no avail to his family. Our schooling was paid for by him to a European woman. Doctors have been paid for by ourselves, and our money has been expended in expenses of that kind, which the Government promised to bear. Cannot assist to maintain my relatives, as I have nothing to spare for them. Have been put to a great deal of^expense in trying to get justice done to our claims. On one occasion it cost me £30 to attend a meeting at Kaiapoi; on another I spent £5. The meeting at Waitaki also caused us expense. Forty-five pounds was expended by my father and myself in trying to establish our claims.