NATIVE LAND DISPUTE

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 149, 25 June 1915, Page 2

NATIVE LAND DISPUTE

Reserved judgment in a Native land dispute at the Chatham Islands was doHvered in the Supreme Court yesterday afternoon by his Honour tho Chief Jus^ tice (Sir Robert Stout). There were two actions based on practically the samp matter. The plaintiffs in the first action were May Inia, Edmond Inia, Toenga Inia, and Rere Tawhangawhanga Inia. infants by their guardian ad litem. Inia Tuhata, and Inia Tukata, farmer, as trustee of the aforesaid infants. The defendants were Ngamako Himiana. Miria Himiana, and Ngahuia Hami, farmers. In the other action the plaintiffs were Paniora te Arahu and others, while the defendants were Paki Hami and Ngakina. Hami, farmers. Plaintiffs alleged that defendants and another, in or about June. 1905, unlawfully took possession of certain lands belonging to them. Tho block had been partitioned by an order of the Native Land Court, but that order, it was asserted, had never been obeyed. Plaintiffs accordingly claimed possession, an injunction restraining defendants from interfering, and £350 as damages for loss of mesne profits from June, 1905. The defence was a denial of the statements made. At the hearing it was conceded that the question resolved itself into one of damages. Ilis Honour yesterday granted possession in both cases, with £100 damages to plaintiff in the first case and £75 damages in the second. Injunctions were also granted to prevent llefendants taking firewood, etc. Costs of the actions anc 1 witnesses' expenses were allowed. Mi. C. B. Morison, K.CvWitb hini;.MyJ O. Samuel, appeared for plaintiffs, and Mr. A. W Blair for defendants.