REHEARINGS BEFORE NATIVE LAND COURTS (LETTER FROM HOHEPA PARAONE WITH REFERENCE TO).

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1879 Session I, G-05

G.—s

1879. NEW ZEALAND.

REHEARINGS BEFORE NATIVE LAND COURTS (LETTER FROM HOHEPA PARAONE WITH REFERENCE TO).

Laid on the Table by the Hon. Mr. Sheehan, roith the leave of the House. Hohepa Paeaone to the Hon. Mr. Sheehan and Mr. Claeke. Fbiends,— Galatea, 13th May, 1878. Salutations to you, and to the Upper and Lower House. This is a letter from me making known to you my opinion concerning the action of Parliament. I have sought for the reason why lands which have passed through the Native Lan.i Court should, in some cases, be subjected to a rehearing; and in my opinion the reason is, in the first place, the abolition of tire provinces. My opinion with reference to that law is, that there should be four provinces, and that the assessors of the south should investigate the titles for the northern portions, and the assessors for the north should investigate titles for the south. The assessors from one district should investigate the titles of the people of the other district. That those from the east should investigate titles for the west, and those from the west investigate titles for the eastern portion. There should be twelve people to carry out this work from each province, six Europeans and six Maoris. They should have full powers from Government. This is finished. "We, the people of Wanganui—that is, the Ngatihau—foresee disputes arising through Commissions and those that have the disbursement of money. Tlrat is why I decided to write this letter for the consideration of Parliament when it meets. From your friend the Queen's Assessor, Hohepa Pabaone. The Hon. Mr. Sheehan, Minister for Native Affairs, and Mr. Clarke, Under Secretary. By Authority: Geoege Didsbuby, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB79. Price 3d.]