3

G.—Ge

I have endeavoured to find out how it was that of the four children of Tirita only two children of one of them were included in the list submitted to and passed by the Court, it is clear that the Court was satisfied that the descendants of Tirita were entitled to an award of four shares, yet we find only two grandchildren included in the list. On this point I can obtain no definite information, but lam informed that it was by way of a family arrangement that Te Rina's children alone were included. This is somewhat borne out by the evidence of Ruihi Ratema— i.e., " Ani (Matataia Wikiriwhi) was a consenting party to my sister's names being put in for Te Rina's piece." An answer to the clauses in the petition is as follows : — Clause; 1 : The delay between the closing of the hearing before the Native Land Court and the pronouncement of the Court's decision can have no effect on the claim by the children of Tirita. Clause 2 : The house alluded to was undoubtedly erected by Pirimi Mataiawhea, and not by Tautohe Wikiriwhi, but it was willed by Pirimi to her. Clause 3 : The Native Appellate Court held to the contrary. Clauses 4, 5, and 6 : There can be no question but that all the children of Tirita were entitled to share in the award to her. For your information a copy of my minutes taken on the inquiry are enclosed, as is also the reference. I should be pleased to receive an acknowledgement of the receipt of this report. Yours faithfully, A. G. Holland, Judge. The Chief Judge, Native Land Court, Wellington.

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