11

G.—3b

Native Reserves Nos. 36, 37, 39, 40, 41, on South Bank of River Kawatiri or Buller; 360 acres. Native Reserve No. 36 ; 100 acres. _ Ihaia Tainui sworn.—Mr. Mackay divided this No. 36 into three portions —one for Hakaraia and Riria te Piki, another for Wikitoria te Piki, and another for Epapara. I asked Mr. A. Mackay why this was done, and he said that Mr. James Mackay did it in 1861. Mr. A. Mackay has Mr. J. Mackay's division. AVhen I went to Wellington Mr. Sheehan told me that he had seen the plan with the divisions marked upon it. He was shown the plan by a Maori in AVaikato. He asked me if auy investigation had led to that division, and I said No, it was done in 1861 by Mr. Mackay. I claim for myself and AVikitoria te Piki the two portions allotted to Hakaraia and Riria te Piki, and to Wikitoria te Piki; and let Riria te Piki's name be blotted out. Epapara can explain about his own share. Epapara Kahutuanui sworn.—l live at Rapaki. The division for Hakaraia and Riria contained 60 acres. Mine contained 40 acres. I agreed to give Wikitoria te Piki 15 acres out of mine, leaving 25 acres to me. The name of Riwai was struck out. Mr. Mackay confirmed the statement of Epapara. Epapara. —l wish the name of Paraire, of Kaiapoi, to be joined with mine in my share; also the name of Aterea Potini, of Kaiapoi, to be inserted. Mr. Mackay.—Respecting Riwai's name, it was put on the land first, but after his death Mr. J. Mackay reconsidered the matter. Epapara was there at that time, and Mr. Mackay proposed to strike out Riwai and substitute Riiia Kaihi. He then divided the land —60 acres for Riria and Hakaraia's son, and 40 for Wikitoria aud Epapara. Afterwards 15 acres were cut off for Wikitoria, leaving the inland end, 25 acres, for Epapara. The Natives leased the land ; but, as they did not get satisfaction from the Europeans, I leased it for them, Hakaraia receiving the rent. After his departure and death Wikitoria continued to receive it. I think that Hakaraia's share should fall to Wikitoria, and that Ihaia Tainui should be made a co-grantee. He is a near relative of hers. Objectors challenged. None appeared. Grants recommended as follow : —To Ihaia Tainui and AVikitoria te Piki for 75 acres, being the northern portion, iv equal shares as joint tenants, and not as tenants in common ; alienation to be restricted. To Epapara Kahutuanui, Paraire, and Atarea Potiui, for 25 acres, being the southern portion, in equal shares; alienation to be restricted. Native Reserve No. 37; 50 acres. Rev. G. P. Mutu sworn.—This land was set apart for Kuini, the wife of Parata, and she, is dead; but their children are living, Riria Parata and Rena Parata. There is also a boy, but it is desired that these girls should have their mother's land in equal shares. Objectors challenged, Te Koeti snid that this was part of the land taken from Paringa, 150 acres out of the 200, leaving only 50 there. Mr. Mackay said nothing could be done as respecti this land. His best course would be to ask the Commissioner to reduce the area at Maitahi of Parata's share. Grant to be recommended in favour of Riria Parata and Rena Parata, in equal shares. Alienation to be restricted. Native Reserve No. 37a; 10 acres. Ihaia Tainui sworn. —Ramari Puaha was the person in whose favour this land was originally set apart. She was the sister of Kotuku. She is dead. She has no issue living. Hoani Mahuika'a house is on it. I think that Hoani, and Air. Mackay, aud myself can come to some arrangement about that land. If Hoani were not anxious about it it would come to AVikitoria te Piki and myself, the descendants of Te Arahi. She was Ivotuku's sister. Grant to be recommended in favour of Ihaia Tainui and Wikitoria te Piki, iv equal shares as joint tenants, and not as tenants in common. No restrictions to be placed on the alienation, to enable Ihaia aud AVikitoria to part with a portion of it to Hone Mahuika, if necessary. Native Reserve No. 39; 100 acres. Rev. G. P. Mutu sworn.—This land was set apart for Parata. He is dead. His children are— Tare Parata, by his first wife; and Riria Parata and Rena Parata, by his second wife. I ask that they may succeed to that land in equal shares. Objectors challenged. Kere Tutoko.—This land was taken from Paringa, thereby reducing the Paringa Reserve to 50 acres. I consider that we have been deprived of our land. Parata never told us. I object to his having this until we get the full 200 acres at Paringa. Rev. G. P. Mutu. —If this land were in Parata's name, I would be willing to reduce; but as it is, he is dead, and the land belongs to the children, who are connected with Kere and the others. Rena married Kere's son, and when she dies her land will go to her children, and so it will go back again. If it be considered that Parata has had too much, let his share at Maitahi be reduced proportionately. Teoti Pita Mutu agreed afterwards to givo up all Parata's share in Maitahi. Kere refused to accept the offer. Grant to be recommended in favour of Tare Parata, Riria Parata, aud Rena Parata in equal shares. Alienation to be restricted. Native Reserve No. 40 ; 50 acres. Mr. A. Mackay. —I can explain how this case stands with respect to Hone Kaiaia. He belongs to Coliingwood. I spoke to him about this land when I was last at Nelson. He said he wished the land to go to his grandchild. I would suggest that they had better both be put in the grant. Grant to be recommended in favour of Hone Kaiaia and his grandchild, Tima Mere Riiwha, in equal shares as joint teuants, and not as tenants in common. Alienation to be restricted.