NATIVE LANDS COURT. (Before F. D. Fenion, Esq , Chief Judge ; and Wr Hikairo.)

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXVI, Issue 3889, 8 February 1870, Page 4

NATIVE LANDS COURT. (Before F. D. Fenion, Esq , Chief Judge ; and Wr Hikairo.)

Kauwaeranga, No. 14. —Re Robert Graham and John Lundox. —This was an application to amend the date of certificate. 1 The facts of the case resemble very closely those deposed to in the case of De Hirsch. The question at issue as the validity of title to certampareelsoflaudobtainedfrom the natives under agreement. Mr. Macdonald appeared for the applicant; Mr. Rees for the objector. — Mr. Robert Graham was examined, and deposed to the circumstances attending the negotiations with the natives. The deed under which, he held bore date July 9th. (The deed was produced, and bore the signatures o Messrs. J. C. Young and J. W. Preece as attesting witnesses.) The witness said that ha had made all the arrangements with the natives. Got possession of the land, fenced it off, built upon it, ran streets through it, sublet portions of it, took a crop of barley off certain parts of it, before the Native Lands Court sat. -Aperahama te Reiroa was examined through aninterpreter, and deposed that he was a chief of the Ngathnaru tribe ; that he sold bhe land to Mr. Graham ; that afterwards Mr. Lundon came to him, and wanted him to sign a deed conveying the land to him. The witness said at first he thought it was wrong to sign a second paper. He was offered £300 to sign.- This concluded the applicant's case. —The Court wil hear the case o£ Mr. Lundon[this morning.