Claim of Rawiri te Maire.

This was an application on behalf of the Moeraki Natives, for a certificate of title to 54 acres of land, abutting on the Rangiora road.

Mr. Williams appeared for the claimants.

Mr. Alexander Mackay deposed: I am a Native Commissioner. I have been arranging the claims of the Moeraki Natives to certain lands at Kaiapoi. The Kaiapoi Natives agreed to that arrangement in January last, and again in February. In my opinion, it is desirable that the land should be made inalienable to those whom the Natives have decided amongst themselves it should be page 208allotted to. They should have power to lease for 21 years; but I do not think it advisable that they should have power to sell it, with the sanction of the Government.

Several Natives objected to the land being granted to the claimants; but they refused to make the necessary deposit in the way of costs, and withdrew their objection in consequence.

Mr. Mantell deposed: A certain part of the Kaiapoi land was set apart for the Moeraki Natives, at the request of the Natives of Kaiapoi, when the reserve was originally made. The reserve was increased by l000 acres, in order to admit the Moeraki Natives, but this was subsequently reduced to 500 acres, in consequence of the Moeraki Natives having a small reserve at Moeraki.

The Chief Judge said that a certificate of title would be issued to the claimants as soon as a plan was produced.

Some other claims of a similar nature were adjourned until next day.