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Reserves.

The claims to reserves made to the Natives were next proceeded with. The first called in was that in which Wereta Tainui claimed the Kaekaenui reserve, Kaiapoi.

The claimant deposed: I live near Kaiapoi. I am sole owner of this land. I have no wish to sell it. I wish to leave it to my children and grand-children.

The Chief Judge inquired if any Natives in Court objected to a Crown grant being issued for this reserve to the claimant.

Turakina, Pirihita Waitohi, Hera Pokokehera, and Matana Piki objected. Turakina said the land belonged to the whole of the tribes.

Wereta Tainui stated that he received the land from the Government. Mr. Mantell gave it to him as a reserve.

The Chief Judge: Why did you not get a subpœna for Mr. Mantell?

Wereta: I heard that he was coming here.

Turakina said he was not aware that Mr. Mantell had given this land to Wereta, but as Wereta had sold another reserve on the Waimakariri, and kept the purchase-money, he (Turakina) thought that himself and the others who objected were entitled to the Kaekaenui reserve.

In reply to the Court, Mr. Rolleston said that Mr. Mantell was expected to arrive by the next steamer from the North.

The Chief Judge said he could proceed no further with the claim until Mr. Mantell arrived.

The next claim was that of Rawiri Maire to the Kaiapoi reserve.

Mr. Rolleston said the Moeraki Natives had not reached town yet; they were on the road.

The claim was ordered to stand over.

Claim of Hone Paratene to Rapaki, Port Cooper.

The claimant deposed. I live at Kaiapoi. This land is a reserve at Port Cooper. The map is with the persons who live on the land. The Kaiapoi Natives have a claim to the reserve.

Wiremu Naihira deposed: I live at Kaiapoi. I know the land at Rapaki. Hurangi, who is now dead, was one of the owners, (named seven other owners who are alive). The land is now in one piece, and we wish it to be divided among the different claimants, and each to have a Crown grant. There are about 50 claimants to the reserve altogether. I want 50 Crown grants. I do not know the name of the hapu of the opposing party. I know Iharaira; he has a claim to this land. I don't know what hapu Iharaira belongs to. There are some Surveyors who would cut up the land for a shilling an acre. We have not made any sub-division of the land amongst ourselves; we want the Court to do so. We wish every claimant to obtain an equal portion of the block. The land should be cut in pieces from the beach upwards. We have not talked this matter over amongst ourselves. If a Surveyor now came down to survey the land, the Natives would quarrel amongst themselves. If the Court sent down Surveyors, the Natives would agree. The persons who now occupy Rapaki wish to keep it amongst themselves, and Lot to have it cut up. They do not want to let the Kaiapoi people in. The Rapaki Natives received 14 acres each, when Kaiapoi was divided. The Rapaki Natives were let in at the sub-division of Kaiapoi, in order that it might be a precedent; but now they refused to allow the Kaiapoi Natives to come into the reserve at Rapaki.

Mr. Mackay said this was merely a pretentious claim advanced by these people.

The Court adjourned at 4.15 until 10 a.m. this (Tuesday) morning, when the hearing of the Rapaki claim will be resumed.