THE WAIPIRO ENQUIRY.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume III, Issue 419, 20 February 1890, Page 2

THE WAIPIRO ENQUIRY.

CHIEF JUDGE OFFERS TO TAKE CASE.

Tits Native Land Court opened yesterday morning, Judge Wilson and the Assessor being on the Bench. About 30 Natives were present, as well as a number of Euro, peans. After the Court had been formally opened. Judge Wilson said that he had re* ceived a telegam from the Chief Judge, which he would read if all the parties were in Court. It being ascertained that all Parties were either present or represented, udge Wilson read the following tele, gram: — " The only way to avoid delay in Waipiro case that I can suggest is that I should take up the work myself. I should not do so unless all parties freely consent. Will you be so good as to mention the matter to morrow, when adjourning the Court, and say that if any one objects, he is quite at liberty to do so. If all agree unreservedly, I will endeavor to arrange the matter.—H G. Sxth-Smith, C. J." This, said Judge Wilson, was a message to the agents on all sides, and he would like them to say whether they agreed or not. Mr Gannon, on behalf of Tuta Nihoniho, was satisfied with the proposal, and would consent on behalf of the parties he represented. Paratone Ngata: I agree also. Hatauera required a further explanation of the telegram, and thia having been given him, he consented.

Honi Paputene thought when the two principal parties had consented, it was not I r the smaller ones to stand in the way? He would give his consent. Hekiera Tataikoko, who represented the only other case, likewise gave bis consent. In reply to a question as to when the case could be taken. Judge Wilson said he couldn’t tell. The Chief Judge would be here on Monday, wfien the Court opens, and the matter would be in his hands, as presiding Judge. From the tenor of the last .sentence of the telegram, it appeared that there was something that had te bo arranged. He was undvr the impression that the case would begin again on Monday, hut did not know. He would however be wiring to the Chief Judge, and he should ask when the case was to re open, as it would be a. relief to the minds of suitors to know when the case will be really going on. When he received the reply, the Interpre. ter would communicate it to the leaders. The Court was then adjourned until 10 o’clock on Monday, 24th inst. This being a rehearing, the offe# of the Chief Judge to take up the work means, of course, that he will take it up in conjunction with another Judge, and an Assessor. Probably the Judge will be Judge Wilson, the Chief Judge taking Judge Barton's place, except that he will be the presiding instead of junior Judge.

THE PROBABLE POSITION. [TOOM OUR OW.t CORMSBOBDXitT.] AucKtax-n. last night. The following Is wired to the Naw Zealand Herald by its Wallingtou correspondent; It has been stated that the Native Minlatar asked Judge Birton to withdraw his resignation, so that an enquiry may be held, lam informed that Gorernmeut from the first resolved upon an enquiry on b ing informed of the rupture between tha two Native Land Court Judge., and no question of resignation of either of them could be entertained until th it inquiry ie held and the report of the Chief Judge shall be received by ths Executive,