G.—7

52

Maria Kukuwero (Tarawhata's widow), an old woman, lives by herself, earns a few shillings by making kits. Owns 16 acres of land. Part of it is let for ss. Bd. an acre. Has to maintain all the visitors who visit Arowhenua. Tioi Anaha, blind and affected with gout, cannot work. Mariua Kuru, his wife, takes care of him, but she has a family of five girls all under age, and herself, to provide for. Hoani Korehe Kahu stated that the Bunanga would like to be supplied with a copy of all the maps of land belonging to the people at Temuka. Tawera and other certificates wanted. Commission adjourned to Little Biver.

Little Eivee, Monday, 30th Maech, 1891. Commission read out and object explained. Tare Tikao asked if the names of small children could be included in the list of names to be prepared. Irai Tihau said that he did not belong to Akaroa, and wanted to know what would be done in his case (I haere mai noa te haere mai o etahi o matou). Hoani Tikao Wira stated that Tare Tikao had all the names of tlie old people who were alive in the days of Messrs. Mantell and Kemp. The names had been furnished by the kaumatuas. George Bobinson spoke about the necessity of reserving a fishing-place at the mouth of the Wairewa Lake. They had previously applied that this should be done, but were met with the reply that the concession could not be made, as it would probably interfere with the opening of the lake, but their request, if granted, would not necessarily do so, as they did not desire to create an obstruction of that kind, but would be quite willing that the lake should be opened at all times ; in fact, the opening of the lake would be beneficial to them, as it would admit fresh fish into it. He pointed out that it was highly important that a fishing-place should be set apart for them. At present the only camping-ground they had was on Mr. Buchanan's land, but this might not always be available to them. Hitherto they had supplied many of the other settlements with eels, where the people had lost their fishing-rights through the settlement of the country ; and if the people of Little Biver should be deprived of the right of fishing in Lake Forsyth it would be a great loss not only to themselves but to the Native community at large. The result of the late fishing case had seriously alarmed them, and they felt the insecurity of their position. The Commissioner promised that he would recommend their application for the consideration of the Government, and hoped to be able to secure the concession they asked for, which would probably be easier accomplished (if no other objection existed) in consequence of the statement made that they would not, if the application were granted, interfere with the opening of the lake. List of residents of Wairewa read out and confirmed. Tare Tikao stated that there were a few names to be added, which he would supply to-morrow. Commission adjourned till the 31st instant.

Tuesday, 31st March, 1891. Commission resumed. Tare Tikao stated that he had prepared the list of. names of the persons who had been overlooked at the date of Kemp's purchase. The people of Port Levy and Rapaki, who were present at the meeting last night, consented that he should conduct their case; and the Wairewa (Little River) people had asked him to act as their spokesman during to-day's proceedings. It was resolved last night that application be made to the Government that a minimum quantity of 200 acres should be apportioned to each man, woman, and child, as the area hitherto given was insufficient for their support. He also stated that the people asked that 300 acres should be set apart as fishing-reserves in various places. He spoke with reference to his claim for consideration. He had not included any names in the list of persons entitled to land through being overlooked, because all his relations had died since the sale of the land. The only persons he wished to speak of was his father, Tikao, who had not received any land or other consideration for the sale of Kemp's Block, although he had extensive claims within it at Tuarawhati and other places. These places were famous for their food-supplies. He considered that not less 15,000 acres of land was the quantity he was entitled to as compensation for these rights. Teoti Bopatini explained that the reason why they had fixed on 200 acres was because all the land close to the Native settlements had been acquired by the Europeans. If the Education Beserves in the district could be utilised it would alter the matter; but if they had to obtain land at a distance, and probably of an inferior character, a lesser quantity would not suffice. All the other places had received fishing-reserves as well as additional land at the sitting of the Court in 1868, but Wairewa and other places on the Peninsula had not any concession of the kind made. In 1887 they were led to expect that possibly a block of land along the Kaitorete Spit would be appropriated to their use, but the land they expected would be reserved was afterwards sold to the Europeans. Hopa P aura spoke generally on the subject, and supported Tare Tikao's request. Irai Tihau stated that he would prefer land close to Little Eiver, even if it was subject to be flooded. Tare Tikao Wira alluded to the want of a sufficiency of land to maintain the people. Teoti Bopatini pointed out that there was a number of marriageable girls who, should they get married, would have nothing to support their families, as their parents had no land to apportion them. But if it was possible to secure land close to the Native settlement it would be of great advantage. List of persons read out who were omitted in Mr. Mantell's list of 1848, who ought to have been provided with land in Kemp's Block. Names challenged identified, also places of abode in 1848. Maraea Mautai and Mere Hapuawai te Makeke—old people ; Maraea is about eighty, and Mere about seventy. Irai supports Maraea, and Henare te Paro, now dead, used to support Mere,