THE CAMBRIDGE LAND COURT.

Evening Post, Volume XVII, Issue XVII, 24 May 1879, Page 2

THE CAMBRIDGE LAND COURT.

I EXCITED SCENES. THREATS OF THE NATIVES,

[PKB^PBESS AGENCY.] Cambridge, 23rd May. The Land Court met iv the hall at 2 o'clock to-day. After a morning's adjournment Rewi was present. This morning the Ngatihirangis, the principal claimants to theAkenau block, asked for a fresh adjournment to give them time to settle their differences. The request was granted. Several Ngatiraukawa9 rose and spoke vehemently agaiDSt the Government and the Land Court, stating that they would let no claims be heard at the Court unless their struck-out cases were heard. The Court informed the offenders that if on Monday such threats were repeated the offending parties would be taken to the lock-up Hereupon a rush was made to the doors, and about 500 people assembled outside, and a hot korero took place. Hapere (Ngatikawa) ascended the public hall steps, and addressed the people, saying — Harken, barken, all ye tribes ibat are present. The Government have closed the Court for our claims ; let them now close it altogether. Make Te Rangikaueke ask whether the Government were afraid of the Europeans. If the Court stopped ibis time, let it be stopped altogether. Let them (the natives) set up a Court of their own, and do their business through their own assessors. Cheers followed these speeches. Tiemi Ronapiri then said — I agree with what Maihi and Hakere have said, that we should manage our own affairs, and no more attention to the Government who have acted ia so unjust and arbitrary a way. Raihe — It is for us to say if the Court shall be open or olosed. Akepua— lf the Government close the Court against our lands, let them exclude the whole The Government, by their act, condemn us without giving us a chance of clearing ourselves Hotera — Seeing that the Court is shut agaiost us, let it now be opened under Tawhiao's regime, Grahame— lt is owing to jealousy on the part of the Government that they have closed the Court, as they want to buy our lands at 6d. per acre. The meeting closed amid expressions of general indignation. Anti-Government people rejoice at the extremo irritability of the native mind. There is, however, some excuse for many natives who have travelled long distances from their homes, several different times, returning without any result other than disappointed hopes and empty pockets. Unfortunately the Native Minister's superior address and judgment have not been available. His absence tiupugh sicknes--, though unavoidable, has incensed many. All express a groat desire to confer with Mr. Sheehan. Hi-* presence would have saved much dissatisfaction.