7

G.—3b

name is Kini te Koeti. I cannot say how nearly related I am to Koeti. I wish Ihaia Tainui's name put in, also Kooro Mautai's name, also Kere Tutoko's name, and also Kopa's name. Kopa is a child of mine. Ripini Waipapa.—l wish to know what is to be done about Kou's wife. The case of succession to Kou was ordered to stand over till to-morrow. Kooro Mautai, of Kaiapoi, states : I claim to be the proper successor to Wharekai, deceased. I am his nephew. lam his nearest living relative. Objectors challenged. None appeared. On the application of the Rev. G. P. Mutu, the further investigation was adjourned till tomorrow. A similar application was made respecting No. 22. Granted. Native Reserve No. 23, at Pohuerua, at Pa and Burial-ground; 15 acres. Mr. Mackay stated that this land had been originally set apart for Taetae, deceased. Miria Papako. —l claim to succeed Taetae in this land. My evidence would be the same as before. Crown grant to be recommended in favour of Miria Papako. Alienation to be restricted. Native Reserve No. 24, on South Bank of River Hokitika or Browne; 400 acres. Mr. Mackay stated that 200 acres of this land had been set apart originally for Hakiaha Arapata Horau (deceased), Makarini, and Purua (deceased), and that the other 200 acres had been set apart for Taetae (deceased). Hakiaha. —I desire ihaia Tainui to speak on my behalf. Makarini. —I desire Ihaia Tainui to speak on my behalf. Ihaia Tainui sworn. —Hakiaha and Makarini have agreed to allow a number of others to come in to the 200 acres ; Inia, on behalf of Arapata's children, also agreed. I read out a list which we prepared. There are ten of them resident at Hokitika. Alexander Mackay sworn. —I am Native Reserves Commissioner. I produce a plan of this land, made by Mr. James Mackay in 1860. He made a reserve of 400 acres at Hokitika. The persons for whom 400 acres were set apart were Hakiaha, Makarini, Arapata, and Purua, for themselves alone. The other 200 acres were for one man Taetae. He acted as be did in accordance with instructions from the Governor, and the persons named were to be the actual owners. I produce his letter of instructions. He also had separate instructions from the Governor. I do not know about any fresh persons. I consider that lam here by the Native Minister's instructions to assist you. The Commissioner said that he did not see his way to admitting fresh names except the successors of those who are dead, and that in departing from the original allotment be would be doing wrong to tbe persons whose names were then given. If no names had been given at first it would have been different; but as a promise in writing was made at the time, under which a Crown grant might long since have been issued, he decided not to admit any- fresh names. The Commissioner called (at request of I. Tainui) — Hakiaha te Horo sworn.—l live at Hokitika and here. I remember tho buying of this land by Mr. Mackay. At that time land was set apart for the Maoris ; some was at Hokitika. I was the person for whom was to be the land at Hokitika; also Arapata Purua, Te Makariui: these were all. AYe thought that we were only to be as nominees ; others were to look on at that word of Mr. Mackay's. The only persons named were us four. I refer to the women. The only persons whom we recognized were the persons of this locality. 1 heard Ihaia reading his list of names. I authorized Thaia to make the list, and also to read it. I derived my inspiration from no one. I did it with the assistance of my friends. These aro the names I admit: Neri Meihaua, Peo Neri, Te One Maru, Ria Hinewera, Raniera te Matoa, Teoti Pita Mutu, Te Hira, Pita Mutu. The first five I admit to my share only. Makarini Tohi sworn. —I live at Arahura. I heard Hakiaha's evidence. Pour of us were nominated by Mr. Mackay originally, but tbe land was intended for all. I heard Ihaia Tainui readin" a list of names to-day. I admit them all over all the land. Rev. G. P. Mutu sworn. —I live at Kaiapoi. I claim to succeed Purua, deceased. This is the genealogy: — Ruahuanui=Toitoi. I I . . 1 Kokoiti=Tui Moroiti=AVaewae J I | | | Telhu=Hatipu Uruti, Purua, Muriwai AVakena Hineipakia Pirihera Pita Mutu=Mata G. Pita Mutu Objectors challenged. None appeared. Crown grant of 50 acres to be recommended in favour of Hineipakia and Pirihera Muriwai in equal shares, with restrictions. Inia Tuhuru sworn. —I live at Arahura. I knew Arapata Horau. He is dead. He died some time ago. He left three children—namely, Hera Arapata Horau, Tini Arapata Horau, and Kura Arapata Horau. Arapata told mo to look after his property, and 1 divide the share of rent that their father was entitled to among them. Objectors challenged. None appeared.