WEST COAST COMMISION.

Patea Mail, Volume IX, Issue 1095, 5 October 1883, Page 2

WEST COAST COMMISION.

The Courthouse yesterday and to-day was occupied by Sir William Fox, West Coast Commissioner, for the purpose of confirming leases under the provisions of “ The West Coast Settlement Reserves Act, 1881,” and “The West Coast Settlement Reserves Act, 1881, Amendment Act, 1883.” THURSDAY, Oct- 4Georgf. Johnston’s Lease.

On the 3rd January, 1876, Goo. Johnston leased 62 acres 3 roods, being sections 39 and 40, Okotukn, for 14 years from Ist December, 1875. Transaction considered bona fide and lease made by representative natives. Rents £l2 and £ls. Rents considered fair. Last receipt for rent produced. Lease returned to Mr Johnston for plan to be certified to by surveyor. Arundell & Ross’s Lease,

On the 10th Jammy, J876, William Arundell leased I*2oo acres, Otauto Reserve, for 15 years from Ist June, 1874. Transaction bona fide and made by representative natives. Rent 4s 6d, ss, 6s. Rate fair. Last receipt for rent produced. Lease to be returned to Mr Hamerton, who sent it in for plan to be certified to by authorised surveyor. Lease will then be recommended for Governor’s confirmation. Mr Ross stated that a new lease had been entered into for 15 years from Ist December, 1880, but this being after statutory time could not be considered by the Commissioner.

Matilda Rhatigan’s Lease

On the 17th January, 1876, Matilda Rhatigan leased 700 acres at Otoia for 16 years from Ist January, 1876. Major Turner stated the natives had agreed a short time ago to execute a fresh lease for an extended term but the Commissioner said this could not be considered. Transaction bona fide and made by representative natives. Rent £lO5, £140; 3s, 4s. Rate fair. Receipt for Inst rent produced. Lease returned to Mr Adams who sent it in to have plan certified by authorised snrveryor. Lease will then be recommended for the Governor’s confirmation. Francis Svmks’ Leases.

On tho 14th October, 1874, Walter Symes leased 400 acres being Pntalu Reserve for 15 years from 14th Oct., 1874. Transaction bona fide Rents, 3s 6d, 4s, ss. Rate fair. Last receipt for rentprodneed. Lease returned for plan to be certified to by authorised surveyor. On 22nd May, 1879, Francis Symes leased 300 acres, part of the Oika Reserve, for 15 years, from 19th July, 1879. ("The area for this reserve on the Crown grant is 256 acres, 2 roods.] Transaction bona fide , and made by representative natives. Rents, £6O, £9O; 4s, 6s. Lease returned for plan to be certified by authorised surveyor.

(On 19th July, 1874, 300 acres of Oika, were leased to Joseph Baynton. Mr Baynton assigned on 22nd July, 1878, to Mr Francis Symes, who entered into a new lease, above referred to, with the natives direct.) Lease will be recommended for Governor’s confirmation on plans being certified. W. & G. Newland’s Lease,

On the 9th May, 1878, William New land and George Newlnml leased 120 acres, part Oika Reserve, for 15 years, from 9th May, 1878. Rent, £4l, £54, £72; Bs, 9s, 12s. Rate fair. Last receipt for rent produced. Lease returned, to be referred to Mr Rnwson for authorisation of plan.

William Wilson’s Lease

On the 27th April, 1878, William Wilson entered into an agreement to lease section 370, Whenuakura, 532 acres, for 21 years, from 27th April, 1878. Lease in terms of the agreement was executed on 20th August, 1881, Commissioner decided he could not consider the lease, but would recommend the agreement for validation. Transaction bona fide and lease made by representative natives. Rent £ls, £2O; 7d, 9d. In support of the lowness of the rent Mr Wilson stated the land was principally sand hills, and he would undertake to produce a valuation by an independent witness that the rent over the whole was fair. Last receipt for rent produced. Agreement returned to Mr Wilson to have certified plan endorsed. William Cowekn’s Lease.

On the 6th October, 1880, William Cowern leased 168 acres, part of Ofoia, Whakapniho, for 16 years, from 6th Oct, 1860. Lease having been entered into after the passing of “ The Confiscated Lands Inquiry and Maori Prisoner Trials Act, 1879,” could not bo considered by the Commissioner. Mr Hnmerton subsequently attended and referred the Commissioner to a memorandum of agreement dated 31st March, 1879, between the natives and Robert Bryant Pearce, to lease for 21 years, from Ist April, 1879, 150 acres, part of Otoia. He stated that this was the basis of Mr Cowern’s lease, ns ho had purchased Mr Pearce’s lease. He also stated that the circumstances ha 4 previously been explained to Sir William Fox and Mr Parris, who appeared satisfied with thd transaction. Commissioner asked that the transfer from Mr Pearce to Mr Cowern should bo produced. An adjournment was then made. THIS DAY. This morning Mr Hamerton appeared for Mr Oowcrn and filed a declaration to

the Commissioner's satisfaction. Plan to bo certified to by surveyor, after which lease will bo recommended for the Governor’s confirmation. Two lenses of Mr A. Gower’s, Whennaknrn, will also be recommended for confirmation on plans being certified;