(5.) Auckland, Waikato, etc.

The claimants from the North are persons who were taken prisoners in war by the Waikato and Ngapuhi tribes, and are five in number. Great numbers of prisoners of war have returned to Taranaki since the establishment of the Government. With the tacit, if not with the expressed approval of the Government, they have rejoined their tribes, and taken possession of their ancestral lands. These persons now appear in the ranks of the Resident Claimants, and their rights have been admitted by the Government so completely that the Land Purchase Commissioners have purchased land from them, and required their signatures to deeds and conveyances. Their claims are therefore admitted; but those prisoners of war who did not return to occupy are, on the rule above laid down, excluded.