Purchase of Orakei Block is Challenged

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 7179, 28 March 1930, Page 6

Purchase of Orakei Block is Challenged

CASE BEFORE LAND COURT. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, Last Night. The question whether Orakei natives were made landless when the Government purchased the block is one that has to be decided by the Native Land Court.

Argument began this morning before Judge Aeheson. Mr. Sullivan appeared on behalf of the natives, who asked for the return of certain portions of the land. Mr. Meredith represented tho Crown and Mr. Otene Paora appeared on behalf of certain native families. Mr. Cockqr, watched proceedings on behalf of the Church of England, which, h 6 said, was not really interested. Ho was there to help the Court. Mr. Sullivan said the purchase of the block had been the cause of irritation to tho natives. He asked to be allowed to search various transfers since the commencement of the purchase negotiations in 1912 and to be supplied with a list of moneys paid to the natives direct or to any person on their behalf. Mr. Sullivan’s review of the position occupied most of the day, the case being adjourned for tho production of further documents.