87

G.—l

P.S.—Pray, whatever you do in the new scheme, do not alloAv an individual to sell his share, nor for any less than the majority. The intrusion of the European (private or Government) into a title by the purchase of tAvo or three shares has operated most cruelly.

Deae Me. Bees, — Crosland, Kaipara, Ist May, 1891. You asked me in a private note to give you a hint how the practice of issuing titles to less than the whole of the persons interested arose. I send you a copy of the Court minutes of the first case of the sort that occurred, from which you can form your own opinion. I am, &c, F. D. Fenton.

At a Native Land Court held in the Courthouse at Tukupoto, Kaipara, on the 27th day of June, 1865, before John Bogan, Esq., Judge; Henry Monro, Esq., Judge; Winniata Tomairiangi, and Wiremu Tipene Hawati, Assessors.—Paparoa Block, 4,540 acres. Survey produced. Te Keene's claim to Paparoa Block read in Court. Te Keene states: This is the plan of Paparoa. It was surveyed by Mr. Percy Smith. The claimants' names are—Te Keene Tongaroa, Te Huia Kohirangatira, Apihai te Wharepouri, and nineteen others (named). These are all the claimants. Paraone Ngaweke will inform you how these claimants derived their title to this land. Paraone Ngaweke states: Pokopihowhititua was the ancestor of all the Ngatiwhatua. Ee was the pAvner of the land now under investigation. His children were Koieie, Te Wairoa, Tira, and Buarangi. The claimants named by Te Keene are all descended from these four ancestors. Te Huia Kohirangatira: I have a claim upon this land, being a descendant from Buarangi, one of the ancestors named by Paraone. Apihai Te Wharepouri, Tairua Patiti, Te Wiremu BeAvheti, and Te BeAvheti Tamahiki (the same). Patoromu states: I claim this land, being a descendant from Tira and Buarangi. I have a separate claim Avithin this block, which I derived from Kirau, one of my ancestors. Karauria states: I have a claim, being a descendant from Buarangi and Tira. Paraone Ngaweke states that Kataraina is descended from Koieie. Te Manihera Katikati states: I am descended from the same ancestor as Te Wiremu BeAA'heti, and have also a claim to this land. Tawaewae states : I am descended from Buarangi. Te Bira Makaiti: lam descended from Buarangi, and have a claim to this land. Takerei states: lam descended from Buarangi, and claim this land Te Kira Makatiti states : 'Te Whatikina is a descendant of Buarangi. Paraone NgaAveke states : I am descended from Buarangi and Tira. Pakihi Taraia states : I have a claim upon this land, being a descendant of Tarationga, Koieie's fourth son. Te Para states: I am descended from Te Wairoa. I have a piece of land which has been included in this block. I Avish the boundary to be rectified—each man to have his oavii. Te Wiremu Bewheti states : To Kepa te Aho has a claim upon this land, but Te Keene is the principal claimant. Wiremu Pungaro states : I wish the survey-line to remain as it is, because we all have a claim to each side of the line. Let it be as the surveyor laid it out. Paraone Ngaweke states: I considered that the' boundary Avas wrong originally, and had a dispute with Te Keene about it; but, as it has been laid down, let it remain as it is. Te Para states : The disputes of relatives are soon made up. We have had our dispute about this boundary, and I now agree to let it remain as it is. Patoromu states : I still consider that I should have my piece, or let my name be inserted in the certificate. Te Keene states: I wish to have my name alone in the certificate, as it can be subdivided hereafter, when each claimant can pay for the plan and deed. After some little discussion Patoromu agreed that the boundary should remain as it is. Manukau states: I have a claim to this land, and agree Avith Te Keene's statement. By the Court: Are you all agreed that Te Keene's name alone should be in the certificate of title?—We are all agreed. Boundaries described by TawaeAvae and Te Bira Makatiti': Commencing, &c. Certificate ordered to Te Keene Tangaroa.

Sies, — Kaipara, 13th April, 1891. I have iioav the honour to forward to you a copy of the returns of receipts and expenditure —purchase of Native lands for the years 1870-79, of which I spoke in my evidence. I have, &c, The Land Commissioners. F. D. Fenton. P.S. —I think that this return was produced or quoted by Mr. Bryce in his speech developing Native policy.