HENARE KAIHAU'S ESTATE

Marlborough Express, Volume LIV, Issue 186, 7 August 1920, Page 6

HENARE KAIHAU'S ESTATE

MANY WIDOWS CLAIM A SHARE

Judge Gilfedder, in the Native Land Court at Auckland, heard most interesting argument concerning the worldly possessions of the late Henaro Kaih.au, formerly M.P. for the Western Maori District, who left an estate valued at £20,000. Kaihau had many wives, and a<s these widows came forward to apply for a share in the estate, to "which they are not absolutely entitled under Native law, much interesting light was cast upon tho marriage customs of the Maoris.

Dr Bamford, with Mr G. Kent, appeared for the "widow" of the deceased, and submitted evidence in support of her claim for a share in tho ©state, as under Native law she could not succeed as widow only. Counsel also represented six children of the marriage.

Mr J. J. Sullivan appeared for one Maori widow, and he also represented a son by still another Maori marriage.

In the course of the case it was necessary to call yet another Maori widow, but her evidence showed that she was now debarred from participation under Native law, as she had "married" another Maori before Kaihau's death. This Avas shown to have been the case with still another "widow," so she, too, was debarred from a share in the estate.

During the hearing, counsel submitted proof of various marriages of tho deceased under Maori custom, which appeared, in the case of Maoris of rank, to be dependent upon tho consent of the parents or chiefs of the contractinn; parties, and the acceptance of the bride by the husband's tribe.

After the evidence was submitted the Court allowed the "first" widow £150 a year for five years, and the use of a house. One more' widow was allowed £100 a year for life, and tho remainder of the estate is to be divided between seven children. Tho Court appointed the Public Trustee administrator of the estate, and trustee of the infant children.