G.—7

86

Torotoro, and Ahere Te Koari, got £100 each, but the others got more than £100—they got as much as £300. He further stated that the consideration money expressed in the deed of conveyance was different to the amount set forth in the accounts of the debts. He also gave evidence upon To Waka's statement that he did not sign the paper to Tanner. Maney said that Te Waka did affix his mark thereto, in the presence of himself and Martyn Hainlin, interpreter. He stated that the interpreter clearly explained the contents of that document to Te Waka Kawatini. He also said that he showed each man the account of his debts, and they all knew what they owed. With regard to Peni Te Uamairangi's evidence, he said, " What I agreed to give Peni for his interest in that land was £140, and that when Peni signed the deed of conveyance I gave him £30, and that at that time Peni owed me £20. On the sth February I gave him (Peni) in tho road, £10; and on the 14th of the same month I gave him £10 in my house. That man objected at the time I showed him his accounts, and also when I said I would give him no further credit. He objected because the money had so soon been swallowed up." He (Maney) also gave evidence with reference to Pcni's statement that he did not sign his name to the document produced before the Commissioners. Maney said that what Peni signed was written on paper, and not on parchment. He said he saw Peni sign the document, which was produced before the Commissioners, in the presence of Edwards Hamlin and Marfyn Hamlin, interpreters. Edwards Hamlin gave evidence of his having seen Peni sign his name to that document, which, was produced before the Court, and he stated that ho interpreted the same to Peni. On looking at the evidence of the complainants and that of the persons complained of, our opinion is— 1. With reference to Te Waka Kawatini's evidence : (1.) Ho agreed to tho sale, but he was displeased because he got no money. (2.) The European was wrong to give him so much credit. (3.) Maney's accounts appeared to be incorrect. (4.) I do not know whether Te Waka was right or wrong in stating that he signed no document authorizing Tanner to pay £100 to Maney. (5.) I do not understand the question about tho liquor. 2. With regard to Paora Torotoro's statement, -vide Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 5, remarks on Te Waka's evidence. 3. With regard to Ahero Te Koari's statement, vide Nos. 1, 2, and 3, remarks on Te Waka's evidence. 4. With regard to Henare Tomoana's statement: (1.) According to Native custom he is correct; but the Parliament knows how the law stands. (2.) The Native Lands Act prevents tho insertion of more than ten names in the Crown grants. It is done according to the number of owners, whether they be many or few. 5. With regard to Karaitiana Takamoana's statement: (1.) Vide No. 1, remark on Henare's evidence. (2.) It is objectionable that negotiations for sales of land should be carried on in publichouses. 6. With regard to Peni Te Uamairangi's statement: (1.) He was perfectly willing to sell his share. (2.) It is tho fault of the European that he (Peni) got into debt. (3.) There is still a balance due to this man. (4.) Some of the goods entered against this man are wrong. Our opinion on the whole case is : (1.) The negotiations for the purchase were not properly carried on. (2.) It was wrong to withhold any of the money which was agreed upon as payment for the individual shares. (3.) The system upon which credit was given to these men was wrong, WiEEMtr HiKAiito, Commissioner. Wiremu Te Wheoeo, Commissioner.

XIV.—OIIIKAKAREWA. Ko tenei piihi whenua ko Ohikakarcwa kua oti to whakawa o Te Kouti Whenua Maori kua puta hoki he Karauua Karaati mo taua whenua. I tuku tono mai a Te Waka Kawatini ki nga Komihana kia tirohia te moketetanga o taua whenua Ida Miiui raua ko Teone (Mauey and J. Heslop.) Aite wa i noho ai Te Kouti ka tv taua Kaitono kite whakaatu korero mo runga i tana tono, ka mea i haere atu ratou ko Paora Torotoro ko Aliere Te Koari i tetahi ra kite Paparakauhe a Miini. To ratou taenga atu ki reira ka tono mai taua Pakeha a Miini ki a ratou kia tukua atu o ratou paanga ki Ohikakarewa ki a ia, ko to utu mo te paanga o te tangata kotahi, kia kotahi rau pauua (£100) heoi kihai ia i whakaae. A i taua wa ano, ka hoatu tetahi rua tekau pauna (£2O) ki a ratou c tetahi Pakeha ko Teono'to ingoa a tangohia ana c ia mana i roto o aua mom kotahi tekau pauna (£10) me nga keehi raraa c run, me nga pcke huka c rua. I muri mai o tera wa, he maha nga hokinga atu o taua Pakeha o Miini ki a ia tono ai kia whakaaetia atu o ia tona paanga ki taua whenua mo te rau pauna kotahi (£100) kore rawa ia i whakaae. I ki hoki ia, tana mahi he tono ki taua Pakoha kia Miini ki a whakaaturia mai ki a raua ko Raihania (He kaituhituhi tera nana) tc maha o nga taonga c nama ana c ia heoi kaore c whakaaturia mai. I ki ano hoki ia kore rawa tetahi pukapuka tuku, hoko, mokete ranei mo taua whenua ki taua Pakeha ki a Miini ki tetahi atu Pakeha ranei, i tuhia c ia. I whai kupu arto hoki ia mo tetahi pukapuka tono i tetahi rau pauna (£100) kia tukua c Tanara