NGAITAHU CLAIM.

Southland Times, Issue 19500, 14 March 1925, Page 9

NGAITAHU CLAIM.

To the Editor. Sir,—ln reference to the Ngaitahu claim discussion: I find that Mr A. Wixon persists in making more wild statements. In reply I desire to be brief and to the point. In his letter that appeared in to-day’s issue he states: “Let him (referring to myself) bring Volume 1., South Island Native Affairs, and let the Editor confirm what he has said that Te Whaikai “Pokene” signed the famous deed of 1848.” Sir, I accept this challenge on the conditions that I will donate £5 5/- to funds of the Returned Soldiers’ Association if I fail to satisfy you that the person referred to, who is Mrs Skerrett’s ancestor, signed the famous deed of 1848, Mr Wixon to give a similar amount if this fact is proved to your satisfaction. Your decision is to be final.

I may state, Sir, that the volume referred to is my property. I left it behind in Kaiapoi for the benefit of applicants and the Appointed Committee, which is one of the bodies I mentioned in my report that appeared in your issue of February 26. This is the Committee ! understand Mr Wixon is Secretary of, not the Ngaitahu Claims Committee in connection with which he is desirous of claiming the title. As previously stated by me, Mr W. “Mihaka” is the recognised Secretary. Owing to my generosity in placing my books at the disposal of the Appointed Committee, Mr Wixon was able to gain information as to the authorities he quotes, otherwise he would have been without the information he is quoting. I understand the Court is drawing its business to a close and I expect the volume referred to any day. When it comes to hand I will advise Mr Wixon so that he can bring his £5 5/- along in case it may be wanted. The remaining portion of his letter I will deal with when we have disposed of the item under discussion. There may be then some more good cash about. Trusting Mr Wixon will come to light and so confirm the good opinion he has of himself or otherwise apologise through the Press for the misstatements he has been making innocently. —I am, etc, GEORGE SKERRETT. Awarua Plains.