Untitled

Waka Maori, Volume 10, Issue 23, 17 November 1874, Page 291

On the 10th of November instant, the settlers of Napier gave Sir Donald McLean a dinner, as a mark of their respect, and a token of their appreciation of his services to the country. Nearly a hundred gentlemen, including His Honor the Superintendent, were present. His Excellency the G-overnor took his final departure from Wellington yesterday (Monday, 16th) for Auckland. He was entertained at a farewell dinner on Saturday, by a number of Wellington gentlemen. Our Wairarapa readers will remember that about the end of the year 1572, some land at Ahikouka, claimed and occupied by Ngatuere, was leased by Matiaha and others to a Mr. John Tully. Mr. Tully having lately taken proceedings in the Supreme Court for the purpose of ejecting Ngatuere, it was arranged between the parties to submit the case to the Court of Appeal. Accordingly, on Monday, the 9th of November instant, the parties appeared in Court by their solicitors—Mr. Brandon for the appellant, Mr. Tully; and Mr. Hart for the respondent, Ngatuere. After hearing Mr. Brandon, the Court adjourned to the 10th instant, when judgment was given for Ngatuere, with costs, without calling on Mr. Hart to respond. There were three Judges sitting—the Chief Justice and two others.

m A curious mode of trying the title to land is practised in Hindostan (a district in India). Two holes are dug in the disputed land, in each of which the plaintiff and defendant's lawyers put one of their legs, and there remain until one of them is tired, in which case his client is defeated. "What would our New Zealand lawyers think of such a method of exhibiting their powers ? The coal production of the United States amounted last year to 45,413,340 tons ; the corresponding production in 1872 was 42,749,241 tons.