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Reports of the Native Affairs Committee, 1882.

No. 22 of 1882.—Petition of Wi Kepa Rangipuawhe

page 18

No. 22 of 1882.—Petition of Wi Kepa Rangipuawhe.

Petitioner claims, on behalf of his tribe, the Ngatihinewai, an interest in the Kaingaroa Block. He says that, in 1877, the Ngatimanawa surveyed the land and included a portion that did not belong to them; that in 1878 the Native Land Court awarded the land to the Ngatimanawa; that a rehearing of the case was granted; that in 1879 the Court ordered surveys to be made, and in 1880 sat to consider the matter; that the Court was asked to adjourn on account of the illness of the petitioner and Arama Mokonuiarangi, but refused to accede to this request; that the Court had confirmed the grant in favour of the Ngatimanawa, and that Government has since purchased the land. The petitioner prays that the case should be again tried, or that the sum of £2,500 should be paid to him as compensation.

I am directed to report as follows:—

That a similar petition was reported upon by the Committee on the 5th September, 1881. It was recommended that Government should carefully inquire whether Wi Kepa had equitable claims. At that time there was no proof offered as to the illness of Wi Kepa; there seems now, however, to be no doubt of the truth of this allegation. The question is, how far this circumstance damaged his application. From evidence offered it seems that his sole claim was through a connection with the Ngatihinewai, and the claim of this hapu was rejected by the Court. Still, as Wi Kepa could not attend, it is possible that arguments were omitted which might have had weight. Government might again inquire into the subject, and consider what can be done justly. A rehearing could not be secured except by special legislation.

3rd August, 1882.