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Report of the Native Affairs Committee, 1883.

No. 162.—Petition of Hira te Popo and 350 Others

No. 162.—Petition of Hira te Popo and 350 Others.

Petitioners say that at Opotiki, on the 16th December, 1881, the Land Court had adjudicated upon Whitikau and Whakapaupakihi; that a rehearing had been granted for the 17th September, 1882, which day was a Sunday; and that this second decision did not satisfy them. They want their case to be dealt with under the Special Powers and Contracts Act.

I am directed to report as follows:—

That Whitikau was adjudicated upon as stated in the petition; though six applications were made, a rehearing was refused. This was overlooked, and by some mistake the land was gazetted for hearing as if it was a new hearing. Upon coming before the Court the error was noticed, and no rehearing could take place. Whakapaupakihi was heard as stated in the petition. There was an application for a rehearing, which was refused. Another application was made, and after some delay it was granted, Government seeming to have been ignorant of the grant of rehearing; and, acting upon the original refusal, bought a portion of the land and proclaimed it waste lands of the Crown. When the rehearing came before the Court, it held that it had no jurisdiction over that portion of the land declared waste lands of the Crown. Into the title of ownership of the other part the name of a woman not in the original grant was inserted. The Committee is of opinion that nothing can be done in the matter without special legislation, and it is referred to the consideration of the Government.

7th August, 1883.