G.—6j

2

The petitioners allege that Maata Rangiteo had also a child named Wetere, through whom they claim descent as follows :— Maata Rangiteo | I I Wii-omu Tamihana Wetere (the deceased). Rapaura r~ r i Mako. Mataihaea. Werawera. They cannot explain, however, why Wetere or his descendants were not put in the succession to Maata for one-half her interest. In his evidence on the 4th November, 1883, Wiremu Tamihana stated : " Maata Rangiteo was my mother, and lam her only child surviving. All the rest have died without issue." Wiremu was thereupon appointed the sole successor to Maata, and his right was never challenged. Mako's stepfather, Porangi Tohura, gave evidence in this Court and declared that Mako's whakapapa is not correct, and that Werawera is not a child of Rapaura. Rapaura married Turanga Kiiigi and had Mako Rapaura. Then she married Porangi and had Mataihoea and three others—all living. The evidence called by the petitioners is conflicting and weak. No rebutting evidence was called by Here Kotukutuku, who relied on old whakapapa and statements. I consider the petitioners failed to substantiate their claim. M. Gilfeddek, Judge. The Chief Judge, Native Land Court, Wellington.

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