2

I.—3d

4. The Chairman.] Very well, the Committee are ready to hear what you have to say, petitioner? —I come here to convey to you my grievance and the wrongs"complained of by all the hapus of my people in connection with this block. The Ngatiraukawa think that a great grievance has come upon them, and that a great injury has been done to them, in consequence of the decision that has been made by the Court in regard to this block. There was also an injustice done to the Ngatimaniapoto Tribe. I wish to explain this matter in order to show the Committee that lam not the only one who has a grievance in this case, for there have been petitions from these people also presented to this House. I come to represent my own district, commencing at Pouakani as far as Hurakia; that is the portion of the block that I was interested in. As I said, I can explain the matter on behalf of the Ngatimaniapotos also, commencing at Maraeroa; thence as far as Tuhua. I am quite capable of explaining the matter in regard to the Ngatimaniapoto, for we are both concerned in the block. I am also quite capable of explaining the matter between ourselves and the Ngatituwharetoa. The boundary of the Ngatituwharetoa commences at Kuratau on the south, and to the eastward Ngatiraukawa. We are residing on a portion of the block. The division-line crosses Lake Taupo and abuts on the line of the Tatua Block. The line commences at Hingati across Taupo Lake to Whangamata; thence to the boundary-line, Tatua; thence to the Waikato River. Whangamata and Tatua were awarded to us by the Court formerly—to myself and the hapus of the Ngatiraukawa. I wish to point out that this is a portion of the block that I want a rehearing for. We are all exceedingly grieved over the judgment given by the Native Land Court. Ido not take notice of the age at which I have arrived, or of the journey I have had to encounter in order to explain my grievances before this Committee. This is the second time we have come here on these matters and to explain our grievances before your honourable House. I hope your honourable House will be able to explain matters to your petitioners as may relieve them of this trouble ; that is the tenor of what I have to say. 5. Major Jackson.] Was any opportunity given to you and your people, or to the Ngatimaniapoto, of giving evidence ?—We were not there when the first award was made of external boundaries. 6. That w 7as really the award that kept them and you out ?—Yes. 7. Then, you say that you had no opportunity, neither had your people an opportunity, nor the Ngatimaniapotos, of giving evidence when that first decision was made ? —No. The Chairman : But he says there was another hearing, and they were there. Major Jackson : That was'at the subdivision. 8. Hon. Mr. Ballance.] Did you see the Gazette notice of the first hearing ? —Yes ; I received the Gazette notice; but we were prevented from attending by a case which was proceeding at the Besident Magistrate's Court at Cambridge, where we had also to attend; we were therefore prevented from attending the Native Land Court. 9. Did you take any steps to inform the Court that you were detained at Cambridge : did you explain the reason of your absence ? —Yes, Taonui and I sent a telegram to the Judge. 10. Did the Judge refuse to postpone the case until you were present ?—lt would appear so, for ho did not take any notice of what we stated in our telegram, but went on with the case. We applied to postpone the case until we got to Taupo, for we were detained by having to give evidence in the Resident Magistrate's Court at the Waikato. 11. Then, you did afterwards appear before the Court? —Yes ; we went there afterwards. 12. Major Jackson.} But not before this decision was given?—The judgment was given before we arrived there. 13. Hon. Mr. Ballance.] Were you present in Court before Taonui ? Mr. Carroll: Afterwards. 14. Hon. Mr. Ballance.] Was Taonui there ?—He was conducting the case for the Ngatimaniapotos and myself in regard to the Ngatiraukawas. 15. Was not the reason the Court would not hear Taonui because he had insulted the Court ? —He spoke to the Court in a proper manner. He asked time to negotiate and report to the tribe. 16. Mr. Carroll.] He asked the Court to reopen the case, and give an opportunity for bringing further evidence?—Yes. 17. Hon. Mr. Ballance.] The Court refused to comply with the request made by Taonui?—Yes; the Court would not take any notice of what he stated. 18. The Chairman.] Who were the Judges ? —Mr. Brookfield and Major Scannell. 19. Major Jackson.] You asked the Court to reopen the case and take fresh evidence?—Yes. 20. And the Court would not allow it ?—No. 21. What was done?—Taonui was sent out of Court. 22. The Chairman.] Is Mr. Brookfield your solicitor now ?—Yes. Mr. Brookfield told me that this case had been explained to him since both by John Grace and Taonui; that the interpretation in Court was different. 23. Mr. Carroll.] He afterwards found out that what Taonui said was correct? —Yes. 24. Hon. Mr. Ballance.] W Tas Mr. Brookfield then Judge or solicitor?—He is now acting as solicitor. 25. The Chairman.] You say that the whole matter is now before the Supreme Court, in the bauds of Mr. Brookfield, on your account ?—Yes. 26. Mr. Carroll.] Was Taonui allowed time to investigate his claim ?—No ; Taonui persisted in claiming a right to a rehearing, and he was arrested by order of the Court for persisting. He. was arrested for the manner in which he left the Court. He said, "If the Court does not give me an opportunity of stating my case I will leave the Court." The Court took it as a contempt, and he was arrested. 27 Major Jackson.] But was it because they would not hear his evidence that that was done ? — Yes.