9

G.— 2a

out their own lands. I have not a perfect acquaintance of the lands of these peoples. They have lands, but I can't point them out. The chiefs I named as inviting us to return, belonged to Ngatihaua, that is, to us. My father accepted their invitations. He did not say " What fat has that land that I should return to it?" Wi Tamihana appointed us to live at Pukekura. I cannot say the year —about 1866. It was the year he went to Wellington. Examined by the Court: Tamihana asked us to return because he knew (1.) This land belonged to us ; (2.) Because of our relationships. These are the only reasons I know of for his invitation. We never returned to cultivate food—our relatives did that for us. We have planted food at Pukekura and Rangiaohia— i.e., some of us who went to Kapiti —I did not. I can't name the year. It was before Wi Tamihana went to Wellington. We frequently came to plant food here and returned again. On the last occasion we were overtaken by the Waikato war. We came, planted, and stayed long enough to eat the food. When the war overtook us, we fled to Kapiti. The chiefs invited us back through love. Peace was made throughout the country Those chiefs were joint claimants with us in Pukekura and the lauds generally Examined by Mr. McDonald : Tamihana was a Ngatikauwhata. Kauwhata had three children. Tamihana was connected with Kauwhata through Hinepare—Kauwhata's eldest child. Tawhiao is descended from Wehiwehi. Manga is descended from Tahuri. Reweti te Kohu (examined by Mr. McDona'd), sworn : I am descended from Kauwhata by the male line from Wehiwehi, the third child of Kauwhata. My father is still alive at Kapiti —too feeble to travel-. He said Ngatikauwhata had landed property here. I heard 'Papa's evidence. I have nothing to add to it. Metapere Tapa (examined by Mr McDonald), sworn ■: Te Wharepakaru was my father. He is dead —I heard him speak of these lands. Wharepakaru was the principal man of Ngatikauwhata. My father descended from Hinepare, the eldest child of Kauwhata. He was from Wehiwehi also :— Wehiwehi I (""" ~~ 1 Tutete Hounuku Maniaihu. Ngako I Pouri ki te Marangai Maramataiawha I Te Nuku Koroarahi Te Wharepakaru Metapere (witness) My brother is alive and present. My father told me of his going to Kapiti. He went with all the other chiefs of Ngatikauwhata. They left here and went to Taupo ; about twenty of Ngatikauwhata went on to Kapiti, leaving the rest behind. Wharepakaru was one of the twenty There was no Government in New Zealand then. Rauparaha called us. lam speaking of the first expedition (about 1828-29). I have heard my father say that he enjoined those of Ngatikauwhata (Murupara alias Te Wiwini), who remained here in Waikato, "I leave my land with you and the Ngatikauwhata who remain behind." These words implied placing the lands in trust, "My land is in your hands to be taken care of." He intended to return. Examined by Major Mair: Ngatimaru did not follow Ngatikauwhata to Taupo. No battle was fought at Taupo. Ngatikauwhata did not stay at Taupo. There was no fight. We were not chased by Whatakaraka. Examined by the Court: I have heard of Whatakaraka ; he was not a Ngatikauwhata. I think he was a Ngatimaru. I was one of those who went with the body through Taupo. I was nearly married then. Metapere, recalled (examined by the Court) :Te Wharepakaru was my father. He lived all over the country, Rangiaohia, Pukekura, and all round. In the speech he made to the people when leaving Te Wiwini and others, he said, " I am going, I leave the land (with you) in your care." My father left no commands with any of the Waikatos all along the River. He pointed out to whom the Waikato lands belonged. The fights you allude to between Ngatihaua and Ngatikauwhata were long previous to this time. I never heard of the Ngatihaua and Ngatikauwhata fighting against each other. Taumatawiwi was with Marutuahu. Ngatikauwhata took part then with Ngatihaua ; they were one —fighting against a common enemy I have heard of Parakaia, he belonged to Ngatiraukawa. He was a chief man of that tribe. Parakaia had no connection with us. I heard that he was at a Court here in 1868. We were told that Court would be adjourned. I did not hear what he said at that Court. We asked to have it postponed. Parakaia did not tell Ngatikauwhata that he would appear here on their behalf. He had no authority from Ngatikauwhata. Examined by Major Mair: Murupara belonged to Ngatikauwhata. There are some of his descendants present. [Pointed out] They belong to both Ngatikauwhata and Ngatihaua. Tamihana is one. Te Raihi and Murupara, Te Hakiriwhi aro all of these people. Others of Tamihana's children are at Maungatautari. Takana Te Kaiva (examined by Mr. McDonald) sworn : I am of Ngatikauwhata. lam from Hinepare. My father is dead. I was b,orn at Rangiaohia. Te Kawa, my father, was with the emigrants to Kapiti. I did not hear him say that he gave up his interest in Waikato lands. I was then young, and required to be carried, except on good roads. My father said that he would come back here. I heard 2-G.2A.