I.—3c

8

137. The Chairman.] Are you aware of Natives claiming a portion of the Chatham Islands and establishing their mana to get the land ? —I have na knowledge of it. 138. Judge Mair gave a decision awarding a certain portion of the land to certain Natives in consequence of the mana they held.—Yes. 139. I presume that establishes a principle ; whether it is recognised by the Court all over the North Island or not is another thing?— Yes; that and other decisions to the same effect may be taken as setting up a principle. _ 140. Then at the rehearing of the case that principle was upset, and the award made by Judge Mair ignored altogether ?—I have not read the judgment, but I believe that is so. So far as my knowledge goes, I have never heard the right of a person holding mana—of the interest in the land in respect of his mana—questioned. 141. As Chief Judge, do you think it is right that judgments should be given quite at variance on laid down principles ;is it not perplexing to the Natives ? —I say it would be more convenient if Native Land Court Judges followed the practice of the Supreme Court Judges, and where a point has been established they would feel bound to it, even though in individual cases they might not approve of it.

[Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, nil; printing (1,275 copies), £i 14s. 6d.]

Authority: Geobge Didsbuky, Government Printer, Wellington.—lBB7.