I.—2a

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door had not been locked while she was there; no violence had been exhibited. She was not coaxed for hours. I doubt if the whole conversation occupied fifteen minutes. This is what Mr. J. P. Hamlin wrote, and what I heard him read to her. [Document produced and interpreted.] There is my pencil memorandum of what she said on the edge. 758. Is the interpretation of the document as now given in accordance with the interpretation as understood by you at the time it was written ? —The only thing that I do not remember is the term " hereby declare." 759. That may be technical objection ? —I am quite satisfied with the translation. 7(50. Can you inform me whether Wi Eangirangi was a relation of Paora Nonoi?—No, I cannot. 761. Then I suppose that the fact of his having signed the document cannot virtually be taken as the signature of Paora Nonoi?—-Wi Eangirangi signed as the husband of Rora, Rora joining in to pass any interest she might have from Paora. 762. Do you know whether Rora Nonoi joined, or if there was a power of attorney empowering any one on behalf of Paora to sign deeds of lease and conveyance ? —They would not need that, as after his death his daughter would be his representative at law. lam not aware that Paora gave any authority to sign. 763. Supposing there was any document such as a will in existence, would it be right for his daughter or son, if he bad one, to execute a deed of conveyance? —I could not say that it would. 764. As a professional gentleman, would you consider it right, in tho case of a man having a grownup family, and after having made his will and appointed his executors upon his death, for any member of that family, his son or daughter, to sign deeds of sale ?—Not to the detriment of the other people ; but it might be that the son or daughter signing held an equitable interest under the will. Possibly the property may have been devised for the benefit of the party signing. 765. Do you know if Paora Nonoi had made a will ? —I believe he did. 766. Do you know who was appointed executor under that will?—lf I recollect rightly the will gave the property to Davie for the benefit of Rora. 767. Are you aware whether this Paora. Nonoi could sign his name, or write ?—I do not recollect the man. 768. Tou did not know the man. Have you ever seen the will ?—I have seen what purported to be the will. 769. Have you any doubt about it being his last will and testament ?—Not the slightest. There was a statutory declaration on the back of the will by Mr. Martyn Hamlin, who was the interpreter. 770. You believe that that declaration is true, and that Paora Nonoi could not sign his name ?— How do you mean that he could not? 771. That he was not sufficiently educated to know how to write. —I do not know whether he signed or made his mark. [Document produced.] It certainly appears as if he could not write, but I have understood that Maoris when they can write oftentimes prefer to make their mark. . 772. Have you had any acquaintance with Mr. Martyn Hamlin ? —I knew him very well. 773. Do you think he would allow a person who could sign his name to make his mark to an important document?—He might do so, well. A man is not bound to sign his name. He can make a mark, if he chooses. 774. Is that customary ? —I believe it is frequently done by the Natives. 775. When they can sign their names ?—Tes. 776. Within your own personal knowledge?—Tes, I think I can say that; but I should not like to take a signature by mark if the party could write. If he could write, I should certainly press him to write. 777. Has Rora at any time informed you that she signed a deed conveying to Mr. Sutton ?— To Mr. Sutton? 778. Te Awa-o-te-Atua Block?—No ; I do not think she has. 779. Then what idea are we to have with reference to the document you have just handed in ?— That referred not to a conveyance to Mr. Sutton, but to a deed confirming the sale of the whole block to Watt and Farmer. 780. Are you aware whether, at the time she signed that deed, her attention was drawn to the reserve promised to her deceased father during his lifetime?— Not that I know of. 781. Was that promise brought to her mind at the time?—l was not a party to the settlement. 782. lam not asking you if you were a party to the settlement. lam asking if that promise for the reserve was made clear to her —I mean the reserve for 350 acres —at tho time of the deed to Watt and Parmer: that by signing that deed she iv no way vitiated that promise? —I do not remember any conversation about the 350 acres specially. 783. Then can you give the Committee any information as to how this document was signed ? —Do you mean if I can explain the difference between her story and mine ? 784. No : Ido not think that is possible. Can you give the reasons that led up to that conversation in your office?—l was under the impression that the settlement was made by Mr. Sheehan. I think Mr. Whitaker was in partnership with him at the time the settlement with Watt and Farmer was come to. They were, of course, in a manner bound, as professional men, to make known to Watt and Parmer, who paid a large sum in having their title perfected, the position as to the promised reserve. I had, of course, imagined that this 350 acres would have been spoken of and discussed among the terms of settlement. It was to ascertain whether she had any action in reserve against Mr. Sutton that I asked Rora those questions, or whether she thought that the deed she had signed did not dispose of all her estate and interest in the block. I assumed that she knew of this 350 acres. 785. Then the Committee is to understand that this reserve of 350 acres had been fairly and legitimately made?—Tes. It was long before my time in Hawke's Bay. There was no secret about it. 786. Tou believe that the promise had been made. Aro you aware if that promise has ever been satisfied ? —As far as I know, 350 acres by themselves have never been conveyed to Rora Nonoi; but I

Mr. Cornford.

21st Nov., 1879.