THE LITTLE BARRIER CASE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 9976, 13 November 1895, Page 5

THE LITTLE BARRIER CASE.

At the Magistrate's Codrb yesterday afternoon, bofore Mr. H. W. Northcroft, S.M., the case of Crown v. Tenetahi and others, which has boon several times adjourned came on again for hearing. The action arose in connection with the right of possession of the Little Barrier Island. Mr. McAlister appeared for tho plaintiff, and Mr. Earl for Tenetahi and family. Mr. Brown actod as interpreter, Gerhard Mueller, Commissioner of Crown Lands pub in a certificate of title dated Cth May, 1895, vesting the island in Her Majesty the Queen. In June witness wenb down to the Barrier and bad a meeting ab Tenebahi'a house, when a notice to quit was read to the natives by Mr. Hammond, licensed interpreter. James Burke, bailiff, deposed to going to the Little Barrier on the 14th October, and serving two summonses. A number of Europeans and natives were on the island. Mr. Earl contended that the case must fail as ib had nob been shown that the defendants were in possession on the date to which the plaint referred. Mr. Northcroft said had seen the natives on the island, in June, and Mr. Burke had-seon them there on October 14, so ib was reasonable to suppose they had been there in the meantime. Tenetahi gave evidence, entering into details in connection with the disposal of the island to the Government. His Worship gave judgment for the plaintiff, and ordered the natives to leave the island by December 10. Mr. MoAlister asked for costs, which were allowed.