NATIVE COMMISSION REPORT.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2268, 9 July 1881, Page 3

NATIVE COMMISSION REPORT.

[FROM THE OWK CORRESPONDENT OF BBS ‘‘PBESS.”J WELLINGTON, July 8. The Middle Island Native Land Purchase Commission’* report was presented to-day. The part affecting Canterbury is as follows : —With respect to the Akaroa block, wo think it would come properly under the arrangement proposed with reference to the Ngaitahu and Otakou block. It would appear from the correspondence on the subject of the purchase of the Port Cooper and Port Levy block* by Mr Commissioner Mantel! in 1840, that Banks’ Peninsula was held by the Government to be included in the purchase made by Mr Kemp. The memorandum by Lieutenant-Governor Eyre on the instructions to be given to Mr Mantcll, direct* that for the purpose of treating with the Natives for such portions of the Peninsula as were required by the New Zealand Company, it should be regarded as a reserve made on behalf of the Native*, to be given up on payment of compensation, and that with the exception of the French company’s claim and the reserves to be made for themselves, the title to the residue is vested in the Queen by the purchases made. The Davments, therefore, which were made for the Akaroa and other blocks in the Peninsula should be entered in the proposed account to the credit of the Government as expenditure for the benefit of Ngatahn, reducing by its amount the balance, which it is proposed to regard as a debt. The evidence in the case of the Akaroa block showed that many of the Native owners were absent at the time of the purchase by Mr Hamilton ; that they have since returned, and in several cases are homeless and destitute, having received no portion of the purchase money, and not being admitted to share in any of the reserves. An attempt to provide for these absentees by reserving a large portion of the Akaroa block, appears to have been made by Hoana Papita. but was not successful.” The arrangement above referred to is stated as follows :—“ We propose that an account should be opened as between the Government and the Ngaitahu ; that on the one side should bo entered the eleventh part of the proceeds of all land sold by the Government within those two blocks. On the other side of the account should be entered —Ist, the present value of all reserves which have been made for. and are now in the possession of Maoris within those blocks ; 2nd, tea total expenditure by the Government for the benefit of the Ngaitahu, or other tribes interested in the land, including all payments on account of lands within the boundaries of the Ngaitahu and Otakou blocks made subsequently to those referred to in the deed of cession as the money consideration, tho balance to be regarded as a funded debt, a fair interest on which should bo allowed and applied for tho general purpose of ameliorating the condition of the Natives interested, in such manner as may bo found from time to time expedient and practicable ; as, for instance (1), supplying medical aid; (2), in establishing and supporting schools; (3), in tho purchase of land in cases where the reserves already made are found inadequate, also for Maoris who have no share in any of these reserves; (4), in giving pensions or annuities in certain cases, and in providing for the infirm and destitute. Lastly, in generally carrying out the promise of '• Atawhai,” or kindly care. We propose this in view of tho fact that a literal fulfilment of the treaties referred to, and of the promises made in connection therewith, is not now possible. The evidence before us shows that lands which by the terms of the Ngaitahu deed should have been excepted, have been Crown granted to European settlers ; that reserves were promised, which have never been made, that eel preserves, kauri groves, and other sources of food supply which, uoder the term. “ mahinga kai,” were not to he interfered with, have been destroyed in many ways, the terms of the contract have been violated, and to restore it is impossible. A compromise of the claim for compensation is the only possible way of meeting the case, and wo submit that the mode suggested by us i* just and reasonable.”