MAORI LAND CLAIM.

Gisborne Times, Volume LXVIII, Issue 10712, 9 October 1928, Page 7

MAORI LAND CLAIM.

ISLAND AYHERE MUTTONBIRDS ARE CAUGHT. POSSESSION WANTED. A claim for possession of Alotukino Island, an area of about -97 acres, which was stated to bef ot value to the Alaori-s, for the purpose of catching mutton birds, was made before Air. F. O. V. Acheson, of the Native Land Court, at AYhangarei on Alonday. Air. V. Meredith appeared for the Crown, and Air. L. Uarore lor tue claimants, Alita Repiha and others. It was stated tha%' the land .was purchased by the Government &t an auction sale many years ago, , the vendor being the assignee of . a man named Pollack, who claimed to have bought it from the Alaoris in 1840. The 'claimants /asserted that they were themselves the owners, being descendants of the original, owners, and that the people who made the sale were not the true owners. : - Hote Paama told the court that Ms ancestors frequently lived on the island for protection against attack. . - Alita Repiha also outlined the history of the early owners of thesisland. He said the first of Alanaia’s descendants to occupy the place were the children of Rangi Hokoia. witness could trace hi& descent irom Rangi Hokoia, nine _ generations ago. He had heard the island, which was sold bv people who had no right to "do so,* was Pokohmu and no? Alotukino. Judge Acheson said the court was not satisfied that the island was not sold. He said he would go through the papers and.,see if- the objections were heard and disposed of bv the Lands Claims Commission “ If that was so the court would have to hold that- the commission’s decision was in order. However, if the . objections were not properly heard - and considered, the court * would recommend;**** reopening of tire case. He considered that the natives should be allowed to use the island for food supplies as in the past.