29

&.—2a

Sir W. Buller asked the Court if the portion between Baumatangi Block and Hokio Stream would be included in the inquiry. The Court said it could not include that portion, as it had been appropriated by Parliament. The Court notified that it proposed to proceed under the application of Major Kemp, No. 4 on the panui. Sir W. Buller said he appeared on behalf of Kemp and family. Mr. Fraser said he appeared on behalf of Bangimairehau and others whose names were before the Court, also for Kingi Puihi. Hamuera Karaitiana said he appeared for the same persons he appeared for in the other cases. Henare te Apatari said he appeared for his former clients and Hoani Meihana. (Latter name withdrawn.) Mr. McDonald said he appeared for Himiona Kowhai and the persons formerly represented by Mr. Stevens. Rawiri Rota said he appeared for the persons formerly represented by Colonel McDonnell. Mr. Knocks said he appeared for Manihera te Bau and others. The Court: The nature of the application before the Court is to the following effect: " We, the undersigned members of the Muaupoko Tribe, in pursuance of the provisions of ' The Horowhenua Block Act, 1896,' do hereby make application to the Native Appellate Court, as defined by 1 The Native Land Court Act, 1894,' being the Court referred to in the said first-mentioned Act, and pray that the said Court, after hearing such evidence as may be adduced, will make all necessary orders for insuring the issue to us of Land Transfer certificates of title for the above-named Subdivision 11 of the Horowhenua Block (containing 15,000 acres, more or less), as the same is more particularly described in the First Schedule to the said Act, or for such parts thereof respectively as we may severally be found entitled to." The Court said this would be a convenient time to deal with the persons who were unrepresented. They had all received sufficient notice of the proceedings. Mr. McDonald suggested that each of the conductors should hand in lists of those they admit and those they object to. Sir W. Buller and Mr. J. M. Fraser objected. The Court intimated that it intended to adopt the original list of owners as the list of names. What it wanted to do now was to get rid of those who may have no right at all. It would read out the list of names of those who were unrepresented, as some of those might be represented now. [Names read out, as on page 253.] Karena Taiawhio : Not represented. Buahoata: Not represented. The Court suggested that Karena should choose some one to represent his children.—Karena agreed. Hakihaki te Wunu : Eepresented by Mr. Knocks. Aperahama Bangiwetia : To go with Karena's party. Te Miha-o-te-Bangi: Still unrepresented. Te Whatahoro : Still unrepresented. Hoani Meihana : Still unrepresented. Mihi te Bina, Kawana, and Bangipo Hoani: Still unrepresented. Mr. McDonald said he would do what he could to bring before the Court evidence regarding the rights of the above, although he had no instructions to represent them. Turuki (dead), Taimona te Ahuru, successor : Still unrepresented. Bawinia Matao appeared, and said that Mr. J. M. Fraser acted for her. Ema te Whango (dead) : Successors represented by Mr. Fraser. Boreta Tawhai (dead): Successor represented by Mr. Fraser. Maata te Whango : Now represented by Mr. Fraser. Mere Karena te Mana : To go with Karena's party. Bora Tohu and Merehira Waipapa : Now represented by Sir W. Buller. Bia te Baekokiritia : Still unrepresented; will attend on behalf of herself and Turuki. Hare Bota (dead) : Still unrepresented. Said to be Moriori. Herariki Kawana Hunia : Not directly represented. Ngahuia Tirai: Still unrepresented. Matina Tamaiwhakakitea : Now represented by Hamuera Karaitiana. Wi Waaka, Ani Marakaia, Miriania Piripi, Marakaia Tawaroa, Metiria Karaitiana, Harata te Koete : Now represented by Hamuera Karaitiana. Karaitiana Korou : Now represented by Hamuera Karaitiana. Bawea Taraua: To go with Bangipo Hoani and Mihi te Bina. Mr. Fraser suggested that agents and counsel might meet and agree as to which of the registered owners they all admitted and which of them they objected to. The Court agreed, and said it would adjourn till to-morrow. The Court adjourned till the 4th instant.

Levin, Tuesday, 4th May, 1897.. The Court opened at 10 a.m. Present: The same. Horowhenua No. 11 resumed. The Court gave the following decision in respect of the existence of a trust in the aforesaid parcel of land: In the matter of section 4 of "The Horowhenua Block Act, 1896," and in the matter of Subdivision No. 11 of the Horowhenua Block, and of the application of Baraku Hunia and