THE KAIPARA LAND DISPUTE.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XIX, Issue 1734, 9 February 1863, Page 3

THE KAIPARA LAND DISPUTE.

Ok Saturday his Excellency the Governor gave his decision on the Kaipara nativo land dispute. There was a large attendance of natives, representing both interests. The Hon. Dillon Bell, Native Minister, was in attendance on the Governor, during the entire proceedings; and the Hon. Colonial Secretary was likewise present for sometime. After patiently hearing every objection and argument which either side could urge, his Excellency decided that the sovpreignty of the land shall rest w ith the representatives of the deceased chief Tirarau, but if that they sell any amount of the land in dispute they shall give a fair portion to the representatives of Matthew, who claims from the original o^\ nevs. This decision is objected to by Matthew and his people, but we do not see any other decision his> Excellency could give under the circumstances. Tirarau's people have had undisputed possession of the land for five generations, and this is held by the Governor to entitle the holders to exercise the rights of ownership, subject, of cquvso, to the satisfying of every just claim upon it. The ruling of the Governor is au important matter in respect to old land claims by the natives, and will give public satisfaction. The meeting lasted from noon till half-past nine p.m., and the patience and attention of his Excellency was exemplary throughout.

Odd Fellows' Hall. — On Saturday evening Mr. 0. "Roland repeated his entertainment in the above hall, and >\ as assisted by Mackney and the youth Napier. Assault on Boabd the ' Caiiingokm.' — On Saturday last a seaman belonging to ijie ship ' Cairngorm,' now lying in harbour, was apprehended on a chnrgc of haying assaulted Mr. B. E. Kin.g, the first mate of the abovo mentioned vessel, and was lodgod in gaol. Ho will be brought up at the Resident Magistrate's Court this morning on the charge. Alleged Embezzlement. — A young man named John MeKenzic, in the service of Mr. Symes, baker, of Parnell, has been apprehended on the information of Mr. H. Debus, baker, of Princes-Street, charged with embezzlement. The accused had been previously in the omploy of Mr. Debus, having left in December last. Mr. Debus alloged that McKenzie whilst in his omploy rccoivocl a certain sum of money which he nas failed to account for, hence the above proceedings. It is understood the case will bo heard at the Police Court this morning. Royal Engineers. — By the s.hip. * Devonsliiro,' which arrived, in liar-hour on Saturday last,' 0; second corporal and sapper of the Boyal Engineers were passengers to this city, and reported themselves during the day at headquarters here. It is understood a company of engineers were about leaving England,, at the time of the departure of the ' Devonshire ' — half of th,e jnon pnooobHing to China, tho remaining half to proceed to Auckland. The men, it is understood, will bo employed in laying down tho electric telegraph, and effecting other engineering operations in this colony. A complete and varied set of instruments for use in, the work to bo performed was to bo placed at the service of the engineers. j The Pbi^cess Sophia and party arrived in town on Saturday morning from Onehunga, by Mr. Hardington's omnibus, and were driven direct to Government House. Thoy were conducted from Onehunga by Mr.. Brewer, subcollector, who recciyad. \\xm\ oft their arrival by canoo fpo.ro. Mangario. Thoy remained about 3£ hours at Government House, and returned to Onehunga in a carriage shortly after 7 o'clock. It appears that the Prdncoss and party did not like trie idea of sleeping in Auckland all night. His Excellency the Governor presented each of tho ladies with a book, in which their names were written by himself, and on which thoy prided them.s.plYes not a little, exhibiting them by the way, and remarking, "Kapal tho Governor." The. female who accompanied the princess is tho wife of the printer of the Eolcoioi, Far tho sake of our lady roadorfl, wl\p may be anxious to know tho latent f^BJiipn.s at tho Maori Court, we may mention that vfo were told tho Princess Sophia made her appearance at Government House in a black, silk oress, pork-pie hat, but innqcont of shoes and stockings. Like KDamo' Margery," stye is, "n^yory handsome, nor yet very young," put is notwithstanding an important Ijady, in J^aoridom. ' . t ,, v