MAORI CLAIM

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23772, 27 September 1940, Page 10

MAORI CLAIM

LAND ABEA AT TAUPO EARLY RECOLLECTIONS GOING BACK TO 1873 Evidence in support of a claim by a Maori widow to valuable land at Tatipo was heard by Mr. Justice Fair in the Supreme Court yesterday. The suppliant was Mrs. Ngahuia Ripeka, of Taupo (Mr. Could), who sought a declaration from the Crown that she was entitled to five and n-half acres of land known as "Parnkiri," situated at the point whereat ho Waikato River leaves Lake Taupo. The claim was opposed on behalf of the Crown by Mr. V. R. Meredith and Mr. X. I. Smith. The suppliant, who said she was B.'< years old, gave evidence to show that she was the sole successor to Te Poihipi Tukairangi, one of six natives to whom the Crown, on February 8, 1873, granted 106,050 acres at Taupo, including the Parakiri area. Mr. Gould called several witnesses who had known Taupo in the 'eighties to give their recollections of the Parakiri area in those days and the buildings that were on it. A member of the Armed Constabulary who joined it on May 18, 18/4, William Strew, was called by Mr. Meredith. The witness, who gave his age as 87, said he knew Taupo early in 1874. He was there with the Armed Constabulary in 1875 when the Parakiri area was largely used as a horse paddock for the troops. Ho described the buildings on the area, and said there were no natives living on it up until 188 G. when be left. He put up a building that was still standing and was used as the courthouse. In answer to Mr. Gould, the witness said he did not know of the Maoris objecting to tho pakeha coining on the Parakiri point. . "You have given your evidence very clearlv and well," said His Honor. 1 wish 'all witnesses would keep as much to the point as you have." The further hearing of the case was adjourned until to-day.