NATIVE LAND CASE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVII, Issue 95, 21 April 1906, Page 7

NATIVE LAND CASE.

The claim by George" Potter (Mr. Burton) against Henare ELaihau, Mfl.IL (Mr BlomfieldJ, in respect to certain .transactiona. in native land between the parties, was further yesterday afternoon before Mr.C. C. Settle, S.M..

Edward Charles Frost, of Tuakau, was the second witness called by Mr. Burton. He and his partner had aiv agreement with the plaintiff, who was to receive gum rights if witness got tlie lease, Mr. Kaihau was to help him.to get the lease, for which be wanted £100, besides, satisfying any claims made" by the plaintiff. The terms of the lease were for 21 years at a rental of 1/6 per acre.

Evidence was also given Arthur Boler, of the Native Land Court, and Alfred Henry Hapwdod, of Tuafcau. The : latter said that the plaintiff had agreed to let Hapwood and.Frost, secure the lease, if they gave Mm the gum Tights. Plaintiff said he expected to receive his £75 back. Witness and Frost were to pay this and £ 100 when the lease was. secured.

John Alexander said that in 1905 he acted for Hapwood and. Frost for a lease of the Onewhero block; A draft lease and plan were drawn up, and the former was signed by three native trustees. An application for 1/3 per acre was pre-. pared for witness' clients. Muir had lodged an application with the Court afc 1/4 per acre. He understood that amended applications were to conic, before the nnxt sitting of the Native Council, and also .that an endeavour -was to be made to remove the present trustees.

Kanga Kuro, a member of the tribe interested,.aa-id that in June last he, defendant, and Muir were at Mr; Swanson's office. In coining to Auckland the Maoris intended to- lease the land to Frost, but when it was arranged it was found that Muir was offering more; Witness was sent by defendant to secure tlfe attendance of the trustees, nnd lie then learnt from the defendant that it was intended to lease the land to Muir.

The statement of clakn was then amended as follows: That- the plaintiff was prevented by the defendant from procuring the lease either for-himself or his appointees, Hapwood-and Frost, pursuant to appointment -made in or about June, 1905, with defendant's approval, The case was then adjourned until next Wednesday, Mr. Kettle advising an attempt at settlement.