Pōwhiri raises iwi hopes

There was a joyful sound of music and a hum of chatter from the small fry on Monday morning last when the pah was preparing for the welcome powhiri to Judge Jones on his arrival to open the Native Land Court and commence the real business of the settlement of the claims.

The stir was mainly among the women, who are the chief performers in such welcome ceremonies. Shortly before the arrival of the official party a second band of welcomers appeared under the leadership of Mr Kahu Karatiana, of Raukahtatahi, Takapau. These were the Hawke’s Bay Natives, who were being drilled in the old-time Maori welcome. They stood about half a chain behind the members of the first party, who widened their ranks when backing, and backed past on each side. Mr Karaitiana had not the proper taiaha, but an improvised one from a half loaf of bread stuck on a pointed stick.

When the judge arrived the song of joy and welcome was sung, the green boughs waved, and the Hawke’s Bay jubilations expressed. In the hall Mr H.W. Uru MP was the first speaker. He said that it was a proud day for Tuahiwi that the chief judge should have come in person to settle the Ngaitahu-Ngatimamoe claim.  This was the first visit of Judge Jones to Tuahiwi, and the people asked his acceptance of a piece of greenstone as a memento of his visit. Mr J. Topi MLC expressed his joy at the coming of Judge Jones, who represents England, liberty and justice. Mr R. Taiaroa extended greetings to the person who had come to settle their grievances in their midst. He also asked the judge’s acceptance of a small piece of greenstone. Mr Kerf spoke on similar lines, and Messrs Hoani Matiu (John Matthew), of Waikouaiti, Pitama, Kaitai, J. Watson, Tiropi, Karatai and McDonald followed, after which Mrs Uru made the presentation of greenstone.

Judge Jones began “Greetings to all of you who are assembled here from all parts of New Zealand. I am rejoiced to see so many present, especially so many Europeans, that they may see in what way the Native regards his judge. The European looks upon the judge as one above or over him who is to be feared. The Maori respects him, but views him more as a father, advisor, and friend. "This is no case of a bad bargain, since repented of, but of a contract and how it has been carried out. The commission decided that all promises had not been fulfilled. Adequate reserves had not been made though the Government representative had undertaken to keep ample land for this purpose. Each male Native was given 16 acres, which were in those times considered to be enough to maintain himself and his family. Later on 100 acres were found to be too little. The present award is based on what each family would have been entitled to then. It is likely to be settled by giving the successful claimants income from reserves. The bulk will be kept intact so that the injustices of the past can never be repeated. The land in question is some of the finest in New Zealand. Its settlement by Europeans has greatly enhanced its value and also induced fraternal relations between the two races."

The judge then adjourned the court as a tribute of respect to the Kaumatas and of sympathy with Mr James Apes on the death of his wife. Much satisfaction was expressed by those who listened so attentively to the judge’s address. “Oh, he is fair. He will listen to everyone,” was heard on all sides of the hall. “He is a very patient judge. Now the claim will be settled if it ever can.”

— ODT, 27.1.1925 (Compiled by Peter Dowden)