NATIVE DEPARTMENT. ANNUAL REPORT OF THE UNDER-SECRETARY FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1939.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1939 Session I, G-09

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1939. NEW ZEALAND.

NATIVE DEPARTMENT. ANNUAL REPORT OF THE UNDER-SECRETARY FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1939.

Laid on the Table of the House of Representatives by Leave.

The Under-Secretary, Native Department, to the Right Hon. the Minister of Native Affairs. Sir, — Native Department, Wellington, 6th July, 1939. I have the honour to present, herewith the annual report upon the activities of this Department, excluding Native land development and Native housing, which are dealt with in a separate report submitted by the Board of Native Affairs. The report covers the financial year ended 31st March, 1939. I have, &c., 0. N. Campbell, Under-Secretary and Native Trustee. The Right Hon. M. J. Savage, Minister of Native Affairs.

GENERAL REPORT. Departmental activities have been fully maintained during the year, and there has been evidence of further expansion with a resultant increase in staff. As at the 31st March, 1939, the personnel of the Department totalled 369 officers, comprising office staff (182 permanent and 116 temporary) and field staff (8 permanent and 63 temporary). In addition, the farming properties administered by the Native Trustee and the Maori Land Boards as well as the larger Native land development schemes are under the control of managers or foremen who are not included in the above totals. The five district offices of the Department now control fourteen sub-offices established at Kaitaia, Kohukohu, Kaikohe, Whangarei, Paeroa, Hamilton, Te Kuiti, Taumarunui, Tauranga, Whakatane, Tikitiki, Wairoa, Hastings, and Levin. BOARD OF NATIVE AFFAIRS. The Board of Native Affairs, which replaced the Native Land Settlement Board, was established by statute in April, 1935, and held its first meeting in that month. Since its initial meeting and up to the 31st March, 1939, the sittings of the Board have numbered thirty-two and its authorizations have totalled £3,246,527, which sum includes approvals for land development, Native housing, and expenditure on farming operations undertaken by the Native Trustee and the Maori Land Boards, together with the investment of trust funds by these bodies. The practice of the Board regarding Native lands is to approve a programme of work planned with the object of completely developing a property and which may be spread over several years ; consequently, the amount of authorizations passed does not necessarily relate to one particular financial year. During the year under review the Board held eight sittings and passed resolutions involving authorizations totalling £1,093,802. A special report by the Board is published in parliamentary paper G.-10 and covers the following departmental operations over which the Board exercises control —viz., Native land development and assistance to Maori farmers, promotion of employment amongst Maoris, farming activities and investments of the Native Trustee and the Maori Land Boards, and Native housing.

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PHASES OF NATIVE ADMINISTRATION. The scope of activities of the Department may be said to comprise both the direct administration of matters relating to the social and economic welfare of the Maori people and co-operation with other Government Departments and local authorities for that purpose. Land development and housing for Maoris are prominent activities, but there is a wide diversity of matters dealt with by the Department, some of which are correlated with these major projects while others remain independent phases of administration. . . The following are examples of matters commonly dealt with : Investigation of old and new claims in respect of Native lands ; reports on petitions to Parliament for consideration by the Native Affairs Committee ; supervision of the administration of the various Maori Trust Boards established by statute ; various matters relative to Native land titles ; consideration of the problems connected with rating of Native lands ; statutory functions of the Native Trustee in the administration _of Native Reserves ; various classes of trust estates and mortgage investments ; co-operation with (a) the Public Works Department in the provision of road access to Native properties, (6) the Department of Health in matters of water-supplies and sanitation for settlements, (c) the Education Department in questions mainly concerning Native schools, (d) the Labour Department relative to employment for Maoris, and (e) the Social Security Department in connection with claims by Natives for benefits. GENERAL MAORI WELFARE. In its administration of the Government's policy of social and economic advancement of the Maori people, the Department has a wide scope of activity. The co-operation of other Government Departments has been readily available, and particular attention has been given to matters of health and education. . The Department renders active assistance to Native applicants for the various classes of pensions, and in anticipation of the operation of the Social Security Act benefits in respect of temporary incapacity through illness have already been granted by the Department of Labour in many cases. With the full operation of this legislation there will be provision for all cases of need, and consequently the funds of the Civil List (Native Purposes) will be conserved to provide other amenities for the enjoyment of the Maori people. Of the annual appropriation of the Civil List (Native Purposes) approximately half the amount is transferred to the Department of Health for expenditure in connection with Maori medical services. The Arawa, Taranaki, and Tuwharetoa Trust Boards continue to exercise their functions for the benefit of the tribes within the boundaries of their respective territories. It is interesting to record a further substantial increase in the Maori population. The total figure as at the 31st March, 1938, was 86,767, and during the year under review this figure increased to 88,450. It will thus be seen that it is necessary to provide for a people whose numbers are steadily growing. There has been a material improvement in the economic and living conditions ol the Maori people through the operation of the Native land development and housing schemes. The Government's policy of developing unproductive Native lands is being vigorously pursued, and a section of the Maori people are thus being afforded the opportunity of living under conditions most suited to the race and at the same time being enabled to become self-reliant members of the community. Throughout the year efforts have been continued to provide work of a productive nature for Natives in need of assistance, and with the funds available from State sources the Department has been enabled to promote useful employment for a large number of the people. NATIVE HOSTELRIES. In order to provide accommodation for visiting Natives, hostelries arc established at the following centres, viz.,—Auckland, Pukekohe, Tuakau, Tauranga, New Plymouth, Havelock, Nelson, and Bluff. In addition, proposals are in train for the establishment by local enterprise of further hostelries at Whangarei and Hamilton. The most recent building erected was that of the Pukekohe Native Rest-room, which was officially opened in December last, and is of modern design and appointments. Approximately half the cost of the building was met from funds controlled by the Native Trustee, a contribution was made from the Civil List (Native Purposes), whilst the balance was met by the Pukekohe Borough and Franklin County Councils, and the former authority controls the building. In the case of Auckland, Pukekohe, New Plymouth, Havelock, and Nelson, the maintenance of the hostelry is met from funds administered by the Native Trustee as distinct from public moneys. These hostelries are a most useful amenity, as they accommodate for a limited duration Maoris attending sittings of the Native Land Court and Maori travellers generally. FLOOD DAMAGE IN HAWKE'S RAY. As a result of the serious flooding in Hawke's Bay in April last, the Maori population sustained material property losses. The first consideration for the Relief Committee was that of transporting food, medical supplies, and clothing to those flood-bound ; the second and most difficult problem was that' of restoration of homes and properties and general rehabilitation of the people. A sub-committee, comprising officers of the Public "Works, Health, and Native Departments, was formed to deal solely with the question of relief to Maoris, and subsequently an officer was specially detailed to administer the relief measures. Applications from Natives were treated similarly to those

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of Europeans, but as the complex nature of the Native land titles involved difficulties in the provision of security for advances made the cases were first referred to Native Department .officers before being dealt with by the executive committee. The areas principally affected were those of the Esk, Pakuratahi, and Tangoio Valleys and the Frasertown district. Immediate arrangements were made to transfer Maoris to temporary dwellings near the beach at Bay View and on dry land at Tangoio in order to avoid the menace of a typhoid epidemic. Thirty-one huts were erected by Native workmen under the supervision of building contractors. These dwellings were completed in July, and eleven houses in the Esk Valley were renovated under the direction of the Public Works Department. The estimated cost of temporary accommodation for the Esk and Tangoio Valley Natives was £2,000, while the permanent restoration of their homes involved the expenditure of a further amount of £3,000. These funds provided by the Treasury were administered by the Native Department. Clearing and fencing work has been carried out, and some of the stricken areas are now ready lor regrassing. In the case of the Petane Pa area, which was covered with debris and logs to a depth of 2 ft. in places, the clearing of the land has been a lengthy process, but it is now ready for sowing, and arrangements have been made for this work to be done. The land at present is mainly comprised of shifting sand, and some form of coverage is required to enable it to settle and consolidate. A suitable grass-seed mixture has been decided upon, and it is estimated that the cost of seed and labour will approximate £160. MAORI LAND BOARDS. The volume of work accomplished by the seven Boards has been fully maintained. Receipts and payments for the year totalled £397,210 and £406,405 respectively, as compared with £322,252 and £311,072 for the previous year, while funds held or invested by the Boards at 31st March, 1939, amounted to £609,538, as follows: — £ Government securities .. .. • • • • ■ • ■ ■ 75, 388 Mortgages and charges .. .. • • • • ■ • • • 365, 897 On deposit with Native Trustee .. .. •• •• 153,633 Cash balances .. .. • • • • • • • • ■ • > 620 Total .. .. ■ ■ • • • • • ■ • • £609,538 Native land remaining vested in the Boards at 31st March, 1939, totalled 652,812 acres. NATIVE TRUSTEE. Business has been maintained in all phases of the work of the Native Trust Office, which division of the Department acts as trustee or agent for approximately ten thousand Native beneficiaries. Estates under administration number 1,759, involving funds totalling £90,081, while the annual rent roll from a large number of Native reserves containing an aggregate area of 94,000 acres under lease amounts, in round figures, to £41,000. .. The following brief statistics relating to the nine stations farmed by the Native Irustee, details of which are shown in the report of the Board of Native Affairs, indicate the extent of the operations for the past year : — Total area .. .. • • • • • • • • .. 41,831 acres. Wool produced— Number of bales .. • • • • • • • • 1 > 310 Number of pounds .. .. • ■ • • ■ ■ 478,630 Stock sold— Sheep.. .. •• •• •• £13,640 Cattle.. .. •• •• •• •• £10,113 Live-stock on hand at 31st March, 1939 — Sheep .. .. ■• •• •• •• .. 55,964 Cattle .. .. • • • ■ • • • • 6,069 Particulars of the funds invested or held by the Native Trustee at 31st March, 1939, are given as under : — £ Local bodies' securities .. .. • • • • • • • • , 100 Mortgages— To Natives .. .. .. • • • • • • 413,251 To others .. .. • • • • • • • • ® > ®60 421,811 Station and other overdrafts .. .. •• •• 164,444 Properties acquired under mortgages .. .. .. •• 12,904 Fixed deposits .. .. • • • • ■ • • • > Cash balance .. •• •• •• '.597 £661,856 The Native Trustee's liability to beneficiaries, including the Maori Land Boards, at 31st March. 1939, was £412,312, and his accumulated reserves amounted to £122,500.

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The detail work involved in the collection and distribution of revenues from the West Coast Settlement Reserves in Taranaki was, in August, 1937, transferred to the Department's district office at Wanganui ; and in pursuance of the policy of making greater use of the facilities available in the local district offices a similar transfer of routine work affecting Native reserves in the lkaroa and the South Island Native Land Court districts was made to the Wellington district office in February, 1939. This entailed the transfer of accounting and administrative records in connection with approximately 21,320 acres of Native reserves, the annual rent roll of which is £13,000. Since June, 1938, the farms and stations controlled by the Native Trustee in the East Coast district have been administered through the Gisborne district office. FINANCE. The following figures indicate the volume of business transacted by the Department during the year. The corresponding amounts for last year were—payments, £1,712,369 ; receipts, £1,273,001.

NATIVE LAND COURT. A statistical return of the activities of the Native Land and Appellate Courts during the year is appended in Table A (a). A general increase in the volume of business is apparent. PROMOTION OF EMPLOYMENT AMONGST MAORIS. The wages bill of the Department for the year in respect of some five thousand Maori workers was £507,250, towards which a grant of £415,000 was made from the Employment Promotion Fund. Productive work in the form of land development carrying subsidies ranging from 50 per cent, to 100 per cent., according to the ability of the land to bear a proportion of the cost, accounted for £457,250, whilst the labour costs of the erection of houses financed from the Special Native Housing Fund amounted to £50,000. With few exceptions the work was carried out on a contract basis enabling reasonably efficient workmen to earn not less than 16s. per day. ALIENATIONS OF NATIVE LAND. The number of alienations during the year was 526 and the area affected 59,490 acres, compared with 630 alienations and 60,425 acres respectively last year. Particulars are as follows :—

No Native land was purchased by the Crown during the year.

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| Total Payments. | Total Keceipts. Consolidated Fund— £ £ Civil List (Native Purposes) .. .. .. .. 6,742 Special Acts (Arawa tribes) .. .. .. .. 6,000 Vote "Native" .. .. .. .. .. .. 145,505 22,572 Court fees .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 5,748 Public Works Fund VoteNative Land Settlement" .. .. .. .. 1,166,104 672,408* Receipts under Native Housing Act .. .. .. .. .. 1,960 Native Trustee's Account .. .. .. .. .. 199,431 198,079 Maori Land Boards .. .. .. .. .. .. 406,405f 397,210j 1,930,187 1,297,977 * Keceipts from Native land development schemes, £257,408; grant from the Employment Promotion Fund, £415,000. f Does not include deposits and withdrawals in respect of Deposit Accounts with Native Trustee.

I I ■ 1937-38. 1938-39. Number. Acres. Number. Acres. Sales .. .. .. ..233 10,255 175 10,158, Leases .. .. .. .. 397 50,200 351 49,332.' Totals .. .. .. 630 60,425 526 59,490, Note.—A large number of these alienations were in favour of Native alienees.

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LEGISLATION. The legislation enacted during the year under review included the Native Housing Amendment Act and the annual Native Purposes Act. The main purpose of the Native Housing Amendment Act is to extend the provisions of the principal Act by enabling those Natives who are in needy or indigent circumstances to enjoy the benefits of this social legislation. These cases are particularly dealt with in section 18 of the amending Act, which establishes the Special Native Housing Fund. The fund is to be utilized, in so far as money is available, in the provision of dwellings for those Natives, such as pensioners and workers with a number of dependants, who would ordinarily be unable to furnish the security or make the repayments required under the principal Act. Provision is also made for local authorities, trustees, and incorporated bodies to make contributions of land or money to the. fund. Under the principal Act the Board of Native Affairs may advance moneys to Natives for the purpose of erection or renovation of dwellings for the installation of lighting, heating, sanitation, water-supplies, and other conveniences, for the purchase of land for a site, and for the improvement of land appurtenant to a dwelling. The amending Act extends these powers by providing for the acquisition of land or the setting-apart of Crown land to enable the Board of Native Affairs itself to erect dwellings and to sell, lease, or let them. The annual Native Purposes Acts are in the nature of " washing up " Bills and their provisions affect Natives and Native land generally. The Act of 1938 is largely concerned with matters relevant to long-standing claims by Natives. A further legislative measure of benefit to the Maori people which was exercised during the year under review was that of the Electoral Amendment Act, 1937. Under this Act there was introduced for the first time a secret ballot in connection with elections for Maori electoral districts. Safeguards against irregularity of voting have been provided, and in general the procedure has now been made substantially similar to the conduct of elections of European representatives. EXPENDITURE FROM CONSOLIDATED FUND. For the year under review the gross expenditure from Consolidated Fund, vote " Native," was £145,505, and the recoveries amounted to £22,572. Brief particulars of the net expenditure covering general costs of administration and grants for Native purposes are as follows: — General administration — £ £ £ Salaries and staff expenses (including travelling) .. 116,825 Office expenses (rent, stationery, postages, &c.) .. 12,531 129,356 'Less recoveries from the Native Trustee and Maori Land Boards .. .. .. 22,977 106,379 Purchase of equipment (motor-vehicles, office buildings, and furniture) .. .. . .. 2,382 — 108,761 Grants for Native purposes — Ahuwhenua Trophy .. .. .. .. .. 95 Maori Purposes Fund .. .. .. .. 600 Ngaruawahia celebrations .. .. .. .. 248 Survey liens written off .. .. .. .. 2,000 Miscellaneous.. .. .. .. .. .. 50 2,993 Protection of Native land— Destruction of rabbits .. .. .. .. 1,167 Clearing noxious weeds .. .. .. .. 5,000 6,167 Taranaki lands compensation .. .. .. .. .. 5,000 Sundries .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 12 £122,933 Although the total cost of administration amounted to £131,738, representing approximately 4 per cent, of the year's turnover of £3,228,164, the net cost to the State was only £103,013 after deducting sums of £22,977 (recovered from the Native Trustee and the Maori Land Boards) and £5,748 (fees of the Native Land Courts and the Maori Land Boards collected in stamps and Credited to the Consolidated Fund). The s,um of £2,000 represents a payment to the Lands and Survey Department in reduction of the sum of approximately £45,000 authorized in 1930 to be written off survey liens charged against various blocks of Native land. The object of the writing-off was to clear the titles of excessive charges and pave the way for consolidation and development. The total sum paid to date is £37,000. The expenditure on destruction of rabbits and noxious weeds on Native land is actually made by the Agriculture Department, and in accordance with a standing arrangement that Department is recouped from vote " Native." The payment of £5,000 in respect of the Taranaki land is made to the Taranaki Maori Trust , Board for the benefit of the four leading Taranaki tribes in accordance with section 49 of the Native Purposes Act, 1931, which authorizes the settlement of Native grievances regarding confiscated land. Each annual payment is subject to parliamentary appropriation.

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In addition to the above, an amount of £7,000 is provided out of the Civil List (Consolidated Fund) for Native purposes, and after contributing £3,600 of this sum to the Health Department for medical and nursing services the balance is utilized in the main towards small food and clothing allowances to extremely indigent Maoris. The amount spent during the year was £6,742. A further sum of £6,000 was paid under the permanent appropriations to the Arawa District Trust Board, representing the fifteenth annual payment authorized by section 51 of the Native Purposes Act, 1931, for the benefit of the Arawa tribes. DISTRICT REPORTS. Extracts from reports on departmental operations in each district are of interest. Each district has its peculiar problems of administration relative to the general welfare of the Maori people. Tokerau District. Native Land Court.■ —This Court district comprises the whole of the North Auckland Peninsulaand its Maori population represents approximately one-quarter of the total for the Dominion. There were eight gazetted sittings of the Court, and, with adjournments and special sittings, the Court held session at numerous settlements throughout the district in accordance with the established policy of visiting localities where the people reside and the lands affected are situated, a practice which has been found to have definite advantages. In addition to the general business of the Court in its ordinary jurisdiction, a considerable part of the Court work has been in connection with matters relative to land development, housing, and consolidation of landed interests, the latter of which is the subject of more detailed reference under its specific heading. The Court, while assisting the Department in its various activities, has continued to act as a guide to the Maori people and a protector of valid rights. Alienations of Native land confirmed during the year were again relatively few in number. This reflects the Court's policy of ensuring the retention of the land for the occupation and livelihood of the large and steadily increasing Maori population of the northern peninsula. A considerable area of the land is already under close occupation by the people, and the policy of retention of the land is of material assistance in the pursuance, of the constructive activity of the Department —viz., Native land development, which is the subject of a separate report. Consolidation. —The schemes of consolidation of landed interests in the Tokerau district provide a task of great magnitude. The greater part of the work of the Court may be said to come within this heading, and the extensive farm or unit development schemes in the district are based upon this function' of the Court. In the stabilizing of occupation brought about by consolidation proceedings lies the origin and basis of practically all the land development operations in this district. Consolidation of land titles has been continued during the year, where possible, and some progress has been made. However, by reason of the demands of other activities and absences due to illness, the small specialized staff available has been at a minimum and inadequate to cope with the work in the four different scheme areas —viz., Mangonui, Hokianga, Bay of Islands, and Kaipara. With the additional trained staff now being made available, consolidation activity will be accelerated, but the progress must necessarily be gradual for the reason that the grouping of scattered interests in land requires the full-time services of officers experienced in the intricate procedure and their numerical replacement by untrained men. With the acceleration of this work a further impetus will be given to land development and housing operations. Maori Land Board. —There has been no great activity during the year in regard to the lands vested by statute in the Board as trustee for the beneficial owners. Most of these areas are under lease, and the leases in many cases were renewed some years ago. The Board has continued its function as distributor to the owners of the revenue from vested lands, and is also the main rent-distributing agent for other Native lands under lease. The Board in this district adopts the policy of requiring all proceeds of alienations of land to be paid through it, as this practice is considered to be in the interests of all parties. The Te Kao dairy scheme, previously administered by the Board, was handed over to the Native Department as from the Ist April, 1938, and is now incorporated in the Mangonui development scheme. The Board has continued to contribute £1,000 per annum towards general administration expenses of the Department, and, with sundry additional expenses, meets an annual charge of £1,450 for administration. Housing.—Housing activity in this district is progressing, but there is urgent need, for numbers of new houses as the living-conditions of a large number of Natives are far from what is desired and constitute a definite menace from a health point of view. This activity is the subject of more detailed reference in the report of the Board of Native Affairs. General Maori Welfare.— The health of Natives in the Tokerau district has suffered in the past through lack of suitable housing-accommodation, but with the improvement now being achieved and the valuable co-operation of the officers of the Department of Health it is confidently anticipated that a material improvement will be manifested, particularly in the incidence of tuberculosis. It is pleasing to record that the local Maoris in Whangarei are now taking steps to provide a Native hostelry by means of voluntary contributions. There has been a long-felt need for the establishment of this amenity at Whangarei.

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The improvement and extension of educational facilities for Maori children in the North, which was the subject of comment in last year's report, continues to have gratifying results. One of the major problems in this district is the shortage of suitable farming areas for that section of Natives who are without landed interests. With the increasing Maori population, other avenues of employment will require to be found and steps taken to ensure that the coming generation of Maoris is given training and education which will enable it to be absorbed into the industrial and general life of the Dominion. Waikato-Maniapoto District. Native Land Court. —This Court district extends approximately from Auckland in the north to Taumarunui in the south. The usual sittings of the Court have been held during the year at Auckland, and on circuit at Ngaruawahia, Te Kuiti, and Thames. In order to expedite the conduct of the business of the Court an increased number of sittings were held in the circuit towns and, in addition, many matters have been dealt with in Chambers. The number of applications dealt with shows an increase over that of last year, and, of these, succession orders comprised a substantial portion of the Court's business. Applications for partition are not as numerous as in the past, and those received now are usually for some special purpose related, for example, to proposed alienations or development or housing advances. Orders for probate, exchange, and roading were prominent amongst those dealt with during the year under review, as well as applications by local bodies for charging orders under the Rating Act. These latter statutory applications impose in some cases a difficult duty upon the Court in view of the desire of local authorities to preserve the right to payment of rates due as against the undoubted difficulties of Native owners in meeting local taxation. In a large number of cases charging orders have been granted. The Court has been called upon to deal with an increased number of applications for confirmation of alienation of Native lands. These necessitate most careful inquiry into the circumstances of the alienors, and, having regard to the necessity for conserving in Native ownership sufficient lands to meet the future needs of the people, the Court has exerted its influence in the direction of creating a desire among the owners to work their own lands and has, through the operations of the Maori Land Board, financed many deserving cases to this end. Consolidation. —In accordance with a decision dictated largely by lack of available specialized staff, consolidation of titles is not at present being proceeded with in this district. There is no demand by Native owners for schemes on an extensive scale, but in several instances circumstances have arisen where strictly limited consolidation would clarify titles and assist in the solution of local problems due to unsatisfactory tenures. Maori Land Board. —The Board has under its control extensive areas of land which are vested in it by statute as trustee for the beneficial owners. A complete review of all vacant Native township sections has been undertaken during the year and all available sections have been offered for lease by tender. In most eases applications under the Mortgagors and Lessees Rehabilitation Act, 1936, have been finally disposed of, and during the year every effort has been made to place the collection of rents upon a more satisfactory basis. In the majority of instances lessees have co-operated with the Board in an endeavour to reduce arrears and maintain current rent payments. During the year under review the Board has collected considerable sums by way of rents, royalties, and purchase-money. In all cases where purchase-money is substantial it is the practice of the Court to order that the money be held by the Board under the provisons of section 281 of the Native Land Act, 1931. Moneys so held are either invested or disbursed for approved purposes. The finances of the Board are buoyant, with a large proportion of liquid assets readily available to meet the requirements of beneficiaries. The total amount received by the Board during the year on account of beneficiaries was £39,118, while the total amount distributed to beneficiaries was £39,134. The cash on hand or at call as at the 31st March, 1939, amounted to £46,134. Housing.—The improvement of the housing-conditions of indigent Maoris continues to call for the attention of the Board. The Native Department's administration of the Native housing legislation and of the Special Housing Fund established thereunder necessitates the co-operation of both the Board and the Court with regard to such matters as sites, charging orders, and assignment of rents and royalties, &c. The general housing programme in this district has been satisfactorily maintained, and this activity is the subject of more detailed reference in the report of the Board of Native Affairs. General Maori Welfare. —While the Court has not come intimately into contact with the people in their own homes, personal observation and reports received from its officers lead to the conclusion that the improved economic conditions of the people over the past few years have had a very beneficial effect upon the health of the Natives, particularly children. School attendances appear to have improved, and there has been an absence of epidemics of a severe nature. Various problems still remain without final solution, but progress is being made, and the virility of the race and the influence of its leaders will, it is considered, eventually solve many of these difficulties, particularly with the aid of land development, housing, education, health services, and the training of Maori youths in useful occupations. It is noteworthy that, where housing assistance is given, the people usually respond by keeping the new dwellings in a wholly creditable manner. The tendency of some Natives to excessive indulgence in alcoholic liquor is less marked than in the past, and the entire weight of the influence of departmental officers has been to discourage drinking amongst the Maori people. A great deal remains to be done, however, towards the education of the majority of the people in the appreciation of the benefits of correct living and the prudent expenditure of money.

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Waiariki District. Native Land Covrt.—Sittings of the Court, were held at Taupo, Murupara, Rotorua, Tauranga, Whakatane, and Opotiki, as being most convenient for the parties to attend and being in or near the large centres of Maori population. There were twenty-seven sittings, and the interest evinced in the Court proceedings is reflected by the substantial increase in the volume of business transacted, which constitutes a record for the district over a period of twenty years. The number of cases notified during the year was 7,073, compared with 2,680 for the previous year; and orders were made in respect of 2,235 cases, as against 804 in the preceding year. These figures represent an increase in notifications and orders made of 164 per cent, and 178 per cent, respectively. Orders appointing successors to deceased Natives numbered 849, a decrease of 55 in the figures for the previous year. Partitions of land into suitable holdings for farming, housing sites, and, in some cases, for carrying into effect confirmed alienations of land numbered 180, and covered an aggregate area of 5,379 acres. Although the number of subdivisions made shows a numerical increase of 58, occasioned by the housing requirements of the people, the total area dealt with is 2,939 acres less than the previous year's figure. Applications for orders of receivership were granted in 31 cases, and applications by the Receiver for leave to lease are pending in respect of 14 of these cases. Orders comprising exchange of landed interests, laying off and legalization of roads, grants of probate and letters of administration, and other orders of a miscellaneous nature numbered 589, as compared with the previous year's total of 318, an increase of 85 per cent. There were 302 cases advertised and subsequently dismissed for reasons of non-prosecution or on account of orders having already been made in respect therof. This left a total of 4,546 cases for prosecution and adjudication during the coming year. Charging orders securing the payment of rates levied by local authorities and the Lands Department numbered 1,148 and comprised more than half of the total orders made by the Court. These orders affect unoccupied lands and lands being farmed without State or other financial assistance. A large number of charging orders were, however, made in respect of lands subject to the provisions of Part I of the Native Land Amendment Act, 1936. It will be appreciated that the question of rating on Native lands in this district constitutes a problem which is becoming increasingly difficult. The solution appears to require a scheme which does not impose hardship on those Natives who, through the handicap of a communal title to lands, are unable to arrange finance to farm their lands profitably or who, through inexperience, are able to produce only sufficient for their sustenance. At the same time, the scheme should avoid the placing of a heavy burden upon the European ratepayers. A suggestion emanating from a Judge of the Native Land Court that both the land and the people be classified and that the ability of the individual Maori to meet payment of rates be taken into account is one worthy of consideration and trial. , The Maori Land Board has been instrumental in arranging numerous compromises of drainage and county rates on a satisfactory basis. A sitting of the Native Appellate Court was held at Rotorua during the year for the purpose of hearing two appeals from decisions of the Native Land Court. Consolidation. —The Horohoro series of the Rotomahana-Parekarangi scheme, comprising 6,478 acres, was completed during the year and submitted for confirmation by the Native Minister. Although confirmation was not received prior to the close of the year under review, this scheme, when finalized by the necessary orders and surveys, is designed to clarify the position of the land development settlers in so far as the question of ownership of the land is concerned and to provide a a title upon which their future tenures might be based. Hitherto the position of settlers generally, and more particularly those brought from other districts, has not been altogether satisfactory, due mainly to uncertainty of tenure, despite the provisions of Part 1 of the Native Land Amendment Act, 1936. The proposals submitted with the above scheme of consolidation provided for the protection of owner-settlers by the grouping of their interests and those of immediate relatives in and around their present holdings and by the location of Crown interests into holdings occupied by settlers from other districts who will eventually become Crown tenants. Thus these latter settlers are also protected, and due appreciation is recorded of the services of those officers of the Lands and Survey Department who collaborated with conciliation and understanding in the solution of a complex and delicate problem. The areas awarded to the Crown and the Natives are 1,613 acres and 4,865 acres respectively, and the award to the Crown satisfied all rates and survey liens compromised in respect of the whole of the Rotomahana-Parekarangi scheme. Satisfactory progress has been made with the Waikite Valley series, comprising 6,195 acres, and where it is desired that the Crown purchases in the Rotomahana-Parekarangi Blocks be consolidated. Progress has also been made in respect of the Waikaukau series (1,208 acres), occupied by settlers from other districts; Tuhourangi series (1,025 acres), occupied by owner-settlers; Kapenga No. 2 (400 acres), developed but unoccupied ; and the Parekarangi Extension series (1,964 acres), of which 600 acres are developed but unoccupied. Having regard to the shortage of specialized consolidation staff, progress during the year has been very satisfactory. It is hoped that further staff will be made available, as with the progress of land development the need for consolidation is becoming accentuated. Maori Land Board.- Alienations of Native land appear to have declined, probably as a result of erstwhile activity in this direction. Sales are reduced to a minimum, as in many cases the Native owners have in the past become landless within the meaning of the Native "Land Act. Alienations of timber areas have, however, shown an appreciable increase, but it is evident that the indication

8

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of attempts to evade agreements requiring confirmation will require firm action in the future. The Board is fulfilling its function of collection of proceeds of alienation and interest on mortgages. The application of rentals and royalties towards meeting-houses funds during the year has imposed further responsibilities upon the administrative and accounting branches of the office. The substantial amounts from royalties, rents, and sales which are being handled by the Board have necessitated a closer investigation of requirements of beneficiaries. This phase of activity constitutes a virtual trusteeship, with its attendant duties of thorough inquiry and careful disbursement of moneys. Various statutory notices are served on the Board, and, while authority for the acceptance of service appears to be lacking, the Board is the logical authority to receive these notices, provided it is empowered to protect the interests of the Natives. The matter should, however, be placed on a proper footing by conferring upon the Board legal authority to accept these notices and by empowering the Board to take any steps necessary on behalf of the Natives. The Board has arranged securities in all oases in which advances have been made for housing purposes. The legal formalities are completed before any expenditure is made, and, where possible, the securities are perfected by registration. The finances of the Board are in a satisfactory position, and reserves now total £53,901. Of the liability to Native beneficiaries, £64,128, and miscellaneous deposits, £3,002, approximately 60 per cent, is covered by cash and investments at short call. The receipts for the current year, £38,295, exceeded the expenditure by £6,015, and, in addition, deposits with the Native Trustee exceeded withdrawals by £6,663. The actual income for the year exceeded expenditure by £1,603, and disbursements made by the Board covered 4,191 individual payments. The Board's investments total £112,871, made lip as follows: — £ Mortgages .. .. •• •• •• •• 25,578 Advances on overdraft .. .. • ■ ■ • • • • • 351 Farm properties .. .. • • • • • • • ■ .. 52, 802 Deposit Account with Native Trustee .. .. •• 34,140 Although no additional advances were made during the year, the Board continued its policy of assisting in the active management of properties under mortgage. Receipts and in respect of these properties totalled £9,391 and £5,364 respectively. Three loans were repaid during the year. With a view to the more profitable utilization of the Board's surplus funds by assisting Natives within the district in the ensuing year, particular attention and consideration will be given to applications by Natives for assistance in their farming activities or for improvement of their housingconditions. In its administration of trust funds the Board has continued its policy of encouraging and in some instances requiring, beneficiaries to utilize the funds available to them for the purchase of assets in the nature of furniture, farm requisites, or clothing. Native Housing. —The Native housing legislation made it possible for Maori Land Boards to assist in the implementing of the Government's policy of improving the housing-conditions of the Maori people. This Board gladly undertakes this duty, as it is known, from long association with the people, that proper housing-accommodation is their greatest single need. The Board considers that, in order to function effectively in this important phase of Maori welfare, it must correlate, wherever possible, the needs and financial circumstances of each applicant for housing assistance with an appropriate design of dwelling —in other words, the Board must explore all possible avenues towards providing each badly-housed Maori with accommodation suitable to his requirements and at a cost which is within his ability to repay. General Maori Welfare. —As the activities of the district offices of the Department include that of welfare work, it is considered that there is need for the appointment of suitable welfare officers. These officers should constitute a liaison between the Maoris and the various Government Departments which administer services for their benefit. Tairawhiti District. Native Land Court.—During the year twenty-one sittings of the Court were held in the various centres of the Tairawhiti district from Wairoa in the south to Te Araroa in the north. This district contains extensive areas of fertile and highly productive Native land with a very large Maori population, and keen interest was taken by the Natives in the proceedings of the Court, to which they look with confidence for the determination of their rights to land, the disposition of real and personal property, and other matters affecting their rights, obligations, and welfare. There has again been a substantial increase in the volume of Court business, and the number of orders issued reached the high total of 5,947, an increase of 32 per cent, over the previous year s record of 4,519. Succession orders during the period total 1,745, an increase over the previous year. As the distribution of rents and farm profits to the successors of deceased persons is involved in practically 60 per cent, of the cases, the work of the office has not lessened in this direction. During the year 2,557 charging orders were made securing rates to ten different local authorities. The majority of the lands affected are small holdings located in the southern portion of the district where there are many Native settlements.

2—G. 9.

9

G.—9.

The local authorities appear to have finally adopted the charging-order method of recovering payment of Native rates. A recent Supreme Court decision established the principle that, once a charging order was made, a receivership order could be claimed as of right. The result is that exhaustive inquiries have now to be made by the Court when considering rate-charging applications. This calls for extra investigation by the Court stafi and the Maori Welfare Officers, and has placed additional responsibilities on the personnel. There were some three hundred applications for the appointment of a Receiver for enforcement of charges for rates, the majority being brought over from the previous year, and affecting in most cases areas under 5 acres and situated in and about Native settlements. Some of these have been brought before the Court, and settlement by compromise and otherwise has been effected between the owners and the local authorities concerned. In the case of the Wairoa Borough Council twenty applications affecting small unoccupied areas within that borough were prosecuted, and in an endeavour to find persons willing to lease their lands and thus secure the payment of future rates and the liquidation of arrears out of rents derived therefrom the Maori Land Board appointed a Receiver m respect of the lands. The office co-operates with the various local authorities, the Valuation Department, and the Natives for the purpose of the correction of rolls generally and in arranging and assisting m the settlement of rates and effecting compromises. The office has been assisted by leading Natives in the various settlements in the furtherance of this work, and it is pleasing to note that Maoris generally are, where returns are being received from their farming operations and with the assistance of the improved economic conditions, gradually assuming responsibility for their rates. There has been an increase in the number of partitions made, and with each succeeding year's legislation tending to extend assistance to and for the protection of Natives the activities of the Court are correspondingly increased. In this direction the jurisdiction of the Court has been exercised for the purpose of providing sites for the erection of houses under the Native housing scheme, the setting-apart of land for maraes and other public and communal purposes, and the subdivision of lands into economic holdings for farming purposes. An increase is again shown in the number of exchange orders made. The objective of the parties in every case has been the acquisition of sites for houses and the consolidation of their interests into suitable areas to enable them to take advantage of the opportunity offered under the housing and development schemes. Other orders made were widely varied in scope, and covered the economic, social, and educational welfare of our Maori people. During the year 1,445 orders were made in connection with the layingoif and legalizing of road-lines in order to allow for more intensive settlement, the granting of probate and letters of administration of Native estates, the adoption of minors, incorporation of lands to enable the body corporate to farm the land for the benefit of the incorporated owners, the vesting of areas for house-sites pursuant to the recent Native housing legislation, confirmation of alienation, and assessment of compensation for land taken for aerodromes, quarries, roads, and other public purposes. Returns for the past year show that, exclusive of lease renewals, an increased number of alienations confirmed by the Court were to Maori alienees. The assistance given by the Board and the Native Department in providing finance to Maori farmers generally has had the result of enabling them to develop their own lands, and fewer applications for confirmation of sales, leases, &c., m favour of European alienees are now being submitted. Consolidation.—Owing to more pressing activities little progress has been made with the Northern Waiapu consolidation scheme, which embraces 126,000 acres of Native land with a capital value of £546,000. As a result of further petitions the whole of the subdivisions of the Wharekahika and parts of Marangairoa Blocks are now to be the subject of further hearing by the Court. . , . The draft scheme for the Mohaka consolidation of titles is at present under consideration by the Lands and Survey Department preparatory to submission to the Native Minister for confirmation. The completion of the Waipiro, Tuparoa, Tutaekuri, and Waiapu (Southern) consolidation schemes have illustrated the great benefits which consolidation procedure can bring to the whole community. The benefit is most conspicuous in the development of farm holdings, mainly m conjunction with Native land development schemes. The difficult problem of Native rates has also been partially solved as a result of consolidation. A striking example of this is in the Waiapu County where Maoris are responsible for approximately 40 per cent, of the total rates levied ; and, in respect of this proportion, 72 per cent, has actually been collected. Another benefit from consolidation is now being demonstrated in the Native housing scheme, where it has proved invaluable in providing satisfactory title to building-sites. Native Housing.—This activity has been satisfactorily maintained during the year under review, and an efficient organization of Maoris to carry out carpentering and allied work has been established. The progress of housing is dealt with more particularly in the report of the Board of Native Affairs. Board Operations. —The financial activities of the Tairawhiti Board again show an increase over previous returns, and both receipts and payments are in excess of those for 1937-38. These figures do not include transactions on behalf of Native Trust stations, the administration of which was

10

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taken over by the Board as from Ist June, 1938. Payments to beneficiaries increased by £1,1.92, but receipts from rents, &c., diminished by £2,249. Receipts and payments on behalf of the East Coast Commission show a decrease. The accounts of the Wi Pere Trust were transferred to the Tairawhiti office as from Ist July, and the administrative work of this trust is now undertaken by the office. Particulars of the Board's financial transactions and its investments are as follows Total Receipts. £ For year ended 31st March, 1939 .. •• •• •• •• 105,727 For year ended 31st March, 1938 .. .. •• •• •• 95,689 Increase .. .. ■• •• • • ■ ■ • • £10 > 038 I Total Expenditure. £ For year ended 31st March, 1939 .. .. •• •• •• 107,557 For year ended 31st March, 1938 .. .. •• •• 9/,858 Increase .. .. • • ■ • • ■ • • .. £9, 699 (These figures exclude Native Trust stations and housing.) Board Investments, 31st March, 1939. £ Government securities .. • • • • • • • • .. 51, 923 On deposit with Native Trustee .. .. • • • • • • 1,642 Advances on mortgages, charges, &c. •• •• •• 66,916 Anaura Station loans .. • • • • • • • • .. 17, 462 Advances on overdraft to blocks, &c. Advances on security of Waikaremoana debentures .. .. • • 982 Native Trust Stations. Receipts for period Ist June, 1938, to 31st March, 1939 . . .. 11,393 Payments for period Ist June, 1938, to 31st March, 1939 .. •. 8,832 Indigent Housing. Receipts for year ended 31st March, 1939 .. .. • • • • 196 Expenditure for year ended 31st March, 1939 .. .. •• •• 2,774 Five applications to the Board for advances were granted, involving a total amount of £2,890. Maori Welfare. During the year under review the social conditions of Maoris in the Tairawhiti district have shown a marked improvement, mainly by reason of the income afforded by the Public Works Department's activities and unemployment-relief contracts. The liquor question, however, has become accentuated. The legal restrictions against the sale of liquor for consumption away from licensed premises are proving extremely difficult to enforce. It was hoped that the various village committees and Maori Councils would have been able to exercise more effective control, but this has not proved'to be the case. Other Activities. —The office has assisted the Education Department in its endeavours to locate suitable sites for Native schools, residences, and communal buildings, and the provisions of the Native Land Act have been utilized for the setting-aside of areas for these purposes. Assistance is still being rendered to the Lands and Deeds Department in the reconstruction of land-transfer titles and records which were lost in the Hawke's Bay earthquake. This involves extra duty not only for expert Court Clerks, but also for Draughtsmen in the preparation and copying of diagrams and plans of land affected. The machinery of the Court has been availed of in assisting Natives in the completion of claims for pensions and supplying certificates regarding marriages of Natives and particulars of names and dates of births of children where such marriages and births have not been registered. Details of landed interests owned by applicants for pensions and particulars of revenue drawn through the Board are being supplied both for pension and unemployment-relief purposes. Searches for the purpose of social-security benefits will certainly add to this work. Court procedure has had to be relied upon more- than ever to assist other branches of the Department in their efforts to further Native land settlement and Native housing.

11

G.—9.

Aotea District. Native Land Court—During the past year the Court held some sixteen sittings at Wanganui New Plymouth, Hawera, Taumarunui, and Tokaanu. The Court also adjourned to other centres to cea with special matters. The volume of business transacted was well maintained, and although there was a slight reduction in the actual number of orders made during 1938-39 this was more than compensated by the magnitude of some of the matters which came up for consideration. Among the important cases upon which the Court was engaged was a claim by the Whanganui Natives to the bed of the Wanganui River. This case had not been brought to a conclusion at the end of the year under review The Judge of the district was called upon to attend Appellate Court sittings and special inquiries in other districts on several occasions. There were 5,584 cases advertised for hearing, and of this total 2,143 cases were considered. Fees totalling £813 14s. Bd. were collected. The number of partitions made was twenty-two, affecting 5,369 acres, a reduction on last year s fisures Included among the number were several combined or consolidated partitions m terms ot section 146 of the Native Land Act, 1931. The Natives appear to be appreciating the advantages ot consolidating their interests into one block by means of partitions of this nature and an increasing number of applications under this section is being received. Apart from orders of the nature above described, there is no formal consolidation work being undertaken. As is usual, succession orders comprise the bulk of the orders made by the Court. The total number of these orders made was 534, a small increase on that for the previous year. The number of rate-charging orders made during the year totalled 109, approximately the same number as in previous years. The orders made were in respect of Taranaki and Wanganui lands, there being a complete absence of applications affecting lands in the Taumarunui and Tokaanu areas. Applications for the appointment of a Receiver for the purpose of enforcing charges for rates unpaid arc rare, and no orders were made in the past year. The Court made miscellaneous orders in some 192 cases covering many aspects of its jurisdiction in regard to Natives and Native land. The majority of these cases concerned the laymg-off of roads the assessment of compensation for lands under the Public Works Act, 1928 inquiries under section 38 of the Native Land Act, 1931 (and also in respect of petitions), as directed by the Chief Judge, orders of adoption, appointment of trustees, and various orders in respect of the estates of deceased Natives. The Court also conducted numerous inquiries in respect of applications lodged under the Natl Housing Act, 1935. Applications for confirmation of alienations of Native land, especially leases, continue to increase, and the number of confirmations granted by the Court during the past year was fully maintained It is pleasing to state that there were very few sales of Native land confirmed by the Court Sales are confirmed only under special circumstances, but in the event of a sale being com P leted usually requires the purchase-money to be paid to the Maori Land Board under section 281 of the Native Land Act 1931. In all cases where the purchase-money is substantial the Court ensures that it is applied for the benefit of the Native vendor to such purposes as the erection or repair of houses and the purchase of furniture. Maori Land Board.—The activities of the Maori Land Board in relation to the leasing of vacant sections vested in it under the Native Land and Native Township Acts and the renewal o leases continue to be important phases of the Board's duties. In the past year the Board, with the consent of the Board of Native Affairs, has advanced moneys, repayable out of rents, at a low rate of interest to various Native applicants for the purpose of erecting or purchasing houses. During the last year a great increase was shown in the financial activities of the Board both as to receipts and expenditure as well as in the number of transactions recorded. The total receipts for the year, excluding withdrawals from the Board's Deposit Account with the Native Lrustee were £109 404 an increase of £20,440 over the preceding year. Payments for the year totalled ilJo.Aii, as against £97,197 for 1937-38. The total number of payments for the year was 12,442 as against 8 831 in 1937-38 and 5,640 in 1936-37. The number of blocks, including Board and West Coast Settlement Reserves, for which the Board collects rent is 565, and the annual income derived therefrom is approximately £49,700. The assets of the Board are as follows £ Cash balances .. •• •• •• •• " Kn'4l7 Deposits with Native Trustee .. •• •• •• Mortgages and charges .. •• •• •• j! Office premises, furniture, &c. .. •• •• •• •• 10 >* Sundry debtors (excluding trust) .. • • • • • ■ • ■ l > 6ll £156,147 Specific reserves and Reserve Funds total £59,210, while the total liability to Native beneficiaries is £92,884. Native Housing.—The living-conditions of many Natives in the district have been considerably improved by the operation of the Native Housing Act, and activities under this heading have been maintained during the year. This phase of district operations is the subject of more detailed reference in the report of the Board of Native Affairs.

12

Q.—9.

Ikaroa and South Island Districts. Native Land Court. —Judge Harvey was transferred to Botorua and appointed Judge for the Waiariki Native Land Court District on the Ist November last, and the control of the Ikaroa and South Island Districts was assumed by Judge Shepherd, who, prior to his appointment to the Native Land Court Bench on the Ist October last, had for many years occupied the position of Chief Clerk to the Department. The work of the Court in both districts has again shown a substantial increase in volume during the year under review. The Court held thirty-seven advertised sittings at Hastings, Otaki, Masterton, Greytown, and Wellington in the North Island and at Picton, Kaikoura, Kaiapoi, Temuka, Dunedin, and Invercargill in the South Island, and these occupied a total of one hundred and seventy seven sittingdays. The Court dealt with several matters of considerable 'complexity involving Natives' interests in land representing fairly large values. The determination of the owners of the Palmerston North Beserves, which was necessitated in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Native Purposes Act, 1937, has occupied much of the Court's time, and many consequential applications have been heard. Among other matters which, came before the Native Appellate Court were investigations concerning the ownership of certain town sections in Westport and the Tarawera Block in Hawke's Bay. Applications for charging orders in respect of unpaid rates on Native lands again came before the Court for consideration, but it is hoped to see some decrease in this type of application as Native owners learn to recognize their liability for payment of rates on their landed interests. One of the contributory causes of non-payment of rates by Maoris is ownership in common of the lands upon which the rates have been levied. No individual owner is agreeable to accept the liability on behalf of his co-owners, and the payment of the particular proportion of one or more of the co-owners would not save the land from the fear and effect of a charging order. If one co-owner pays the rates in respect of the whole of the land comprised in a title, under the existing law he has no protection and no right of enforcing contribution from his co-owners for this payment. Applications for confirmation of alienations of Native lands by way of lease are still coming before the Court, and in the majority of cases the land affected has been under prior lease to the proposed lessee or his assignor. Before confirming such leases the Court in proper cases makes careful inquiry into the reasons for non-occupation of the areas by their owner or owners, whether or not the land is suitable for inclusion in a Native development scheme, or whether it is in the best interests of the people that the land should be leased rather than occupied and worked by the owners. In very many cases the plurality of ownership or the fact that the owners are resident elsewhere renders it advisable to allow the land to be leased at an adequate rental. Applications for confirmation of sale of Native land are not frequent in these districts, but when these applications come before the Court they are subject to particular scrutiny, for the reason that the Native estate has reached that point where any further diminution of it calls for serious consideration. Maori Land Boards. —Since the function of confirmation of alienations of Native land has been transferred to the Court the work of the Boards has consisted largely of administering and controlling the proceeds of the alienation of vested or freehold Native lands on behalf of the beneficiaries or owners. Wherever it is considered expedient or advisable to do so the Court requires purchase-money, royalties, and rents to be paid to the Boards, which, in turn, distribute the moneys to the owners at stated and regular intervals. This ensures, inter alia, that each Maori owner receives his income from land in cash and also enables the Boards to see that convenants in leases are fulfilled and performed. In addition, this practice gives the Boards a measure of control over the manner of expenditure of the money by the Natives. The Court usually requires lessees to pay a small commission to the Boards for their distribution of rentals, &c., to the owners entitled. At the 31st March, 1939, the assets of the Boards and their liability to beneficiaries were as follows :— Ikaroa Board — £ £ Cash balance .. .. .. ■ • ■ • 1,049 Deposits with Native Trustee .. .. .. .. 15,699 Mortgage and other investments .. .. .. 42,508 New Zealand Government securities .. .. .. 1,150 Office furniture and fittings, &c. .. .. .. 562 Sundry debtors .. .. .. .. • • 1 > 599 62,567 Liability to beneficiaries .. .. .. .. 55,540 South Island Board — Cash balance .. .. .. .. . • • • 577 On deposit with Native Trustee .. .. .. 6,403 Mortgage and other investments .. .. .. 8,617 Office furniture and fittings .. .. .. .. 237 Sundry debtors .. .. .. • • • • 463 16,297 Liability to beneficiaries .. .. .. .. 13,382 Maori Welfare.—During the year the two principal welfare activities of the Boards comprised work in connection with the rehabilitation of the Maoris in Hawke's Bay consequent upon their material losses in the disastrous floods which occurred in that area in April last, and the provision of better housing-accommodation for the Maori population throughout the two districts.

13

G.—9.

The Maoris of the Ikaroa and South Island districts have shown a lively interest in the facilities afforded by the provisions of the Native housing legislation. Up to the 31st March, 1939, 465 applications had been received for loans either for the purpose of erecting new houses or reconditioning existing dwellings. At the same date 117 loans had been granted to applicants by the Board of Native Affairs, wlule a large number was still under investigation. The number of new houses erected is twenty-six, while eight have been purchased and eleven have been reconditioned. Many Maoris have availed themselves of the provisions of section 20 of the Native Housing Amendment Act, 1938, and elders and relatives have vested building sections in them for the purpose of providing sites for houses. The Maoris who have been provided with new dwellings have shown unmistakable appreciation of their improved living-accommodation. The Judge has taken every opportunity of impressing upon occupants the necessity for keeping their houses in good order both inside and" out, and householders are urged and encouraged to lay out flower-gardens and shrubberies of Native trees surrounding the new dwellings. It is sincerely to be hoped that this advice will take root and flourish in due course. The designs of some of the houses already erected are capable of some improvement, and changes are being made from time to time as experience dictates. One of the matters calling for most urgent and unremitting attention is that of providing the Maori people with some economic background whereby they may find a means of obtaining selfrespecting and self-supporting employment of some degree of security and permanency. The Judge and district officials are applying themselves assiduously to this task, and it is hoped that a fair measure of success will be attained in the near future. At the present time a number of suggestions are under consideration, and in due course recommendations will be made for the provision of the necessary financial assistance.

TABLE A.—NATIVE LAND COURT. (a) Return of Business and Fees for the Year ended 31st March, 1939.

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Totals. Waikato- Waia- Taira- a. m . South ~ 1937-38. 1938-39. riki. whiti. ' "Island. Native Land Court. Number of sittings .. 103 119 8 12 27 25 16 21 10 Number of cases notified .. 21,451 27,006 1,955 2,273 7,073 4,629 5,584 4,589 903 Number of cases for which 5,647 8,604 594 643 2,235 3,255 746 805 326 orders were made Number of cases dismissed.. 1,615 1,755 43 251 302 446 571 94 48 Number of cases adjourned 14,198 17,521 1,318 1,261 4,546 1,910 4,267 3,690 529 sine die Number of partitions made 400 471 14 49 180 180 20 24 4 Area affected (acres) .. 100,568 28,754 837 9,396 5,379 5,938 5,639 1,546 19 Number of investigations of title Area affected (acres) Number of succession orders 5,183 4,602 224 469 849 1,745 534 608 173 made Number of other orders made 3,979 6,787 356 125 1,768 4,022 192 174 150 Native Appellate Court. Number of sittings .. 6 10 .. 1 3 1 4 1 Number of cases notified .. 11 34 .. 2 9 1 19 3 Native Land Court decisions 3 2 .. .. 2.. varied Native Land Court decisions 1 affirmed Native Land Court decisions 2 16 .. .. 2 .. 14 referred back to Native Land Court Native Land Court decisions .. .. • • • • annulled Appeals dismissed or with- 2 7 .. .. o .. 2.. drawn Appeals adjourned sine die.. 2 6 .. .. .. •• 3 3 Applications under section 1 257/31 ordered Applications under section 257/31 dismissed Applications under section .. 1 • • • • • ■ • • 1 .. 257/31 adjourned sine die £ £ £ ££££££ Court and Board fees collected 6,002 5,748 141 931 1,317 1,476 |l,028 | 663 192

(t. —9.

TABLE A.—NATIVE LAND COURTS —continued. (b) Alienations, 1st April, 1938, to 31st March, 1939.

TABLE B.—NATIVE LAND PURCHASE. (a) Blocks fully acquired and proclaimed Crown Land.

(b) Blocks acquired but not proclaimed Crown Land.

15

leases.* Sales.t Mortgages. Court District, No Area.. No. Area. No. Area. A. R. P. A. R. r. A. R. P. Tokerau .. .. .. .. 4 698 I 2 12 333 3 31-4 2 479 0 28 Waikato-Maniapoto .. .. .. 27 4,161 1 20-7 81 5,853 0 37-46 Waiariki .. 18 1,434 0 26 23 446 2 27 Tairawhiti . 61 24,275 0 37-9 32 1,481 I 22-25 3 2,582 3 31-78 Aotea .. 118 7,583 0 16-64 13 1,173 1 13-87 1 174 1 14-01 Ikaroa .. .. .. ..109 7,828 2 37-27 5 95 136-69 North Island (totals) .. .. 337 45,980 3 20-51 166 9,384 0 8-67 6 3,236 1 33-79 South Island .. .. .. 14 3,351 2 16-39 9 774 3 30-8 Totals .. .. .. 351 49,332 136-9 175 10,158 3 39-47 6 3,236 133-79 * Includes four grants of timber-cutting rights affecting a total area of 1,285 acres 3 roods 5 perches. t Includes seven gilts to other Natives of a total area of 328 acres 0 roods 28 perches. Does not include fourteen transfers of leases (0,803 acres 3 roods 17-4 perches) or twenty-one renewals of leases (8,773 acres 2 roods 25-2 perchcs).

Block. Area. Gazette. A. It. P. Parahirahi A 3b No. 1 .. .. .. • • 12 3 36 16/3/39 Waipapa lo 1 .. .. ■ • • ■ • • 99 3 35 2/2/39 „ 2A 1 .. .. .. .. .. 772 1 23 2/2/39 2b 1 .. .. .. .• ■ ■ 700 2 7 2/2/39 2o 1 .. .. .. .. 1,800 0 0 2/2/39 3,385 3 21

Block. Area. Block. Area. A. B. P. A. R. P. Matakaoa A .. .. .. 400 0 0 Okahukura 4b 1 .. .. 756 1 32 Mohaka 28 .. .. .. 224 0 0 „ 5b .. .. .. 1,439 1 30 35o .. ' .. .. 492 2 2 ,, 6b .. .. .. 1,755 0 1 Okahukura 2b 1 .... .. .. 910 3 5 - 5,978 0 30 Note. This return does not include land purchased for Native settlement and similar purposes, which has been included in previous returns.

a.—9.

TABLE B.—NATIVE LAND PURCHASE—continued. (c) Blocks partly acquired and under Negotiation.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT The Under Secretary acknowledges with thanks receipt of the following overseas publications Ceylon—Administration Report of the Land Commissioner for the year 1938. America—University of Minnesota (several publications).

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (870 copies), £20

By Authority: E. V. Paul, Government Printer, Wellington. —1939.

Price 6d.]

16

Area, Area, t>i i Area, Area, Block. acquired. outstanding. 00 acquired. outstanding. A. r. p. a. R. P. Rangitoto-Tuhua —contd. a. r. p. a. r. p. Awaroa A 10b, Section 3 .. 17 2 18 350 2 2 78b 1 .. .. 79 \ * ° 2 Hauhungaroa Id 2 .. 376 2 0 3,423 2 0 78b 2a 2a .. .. 49 f 454 0 0 2d I 6,880 0 0 1,493 0 0 78b 2a 2b .. .. 33 0 13 lib 1 12, Hautu'lB 1b 2b 5 .. 1,012 10 1,897 3 0 78b 4a and 4b 1 .. 290 2 24 101 0 0 4b 2b 2b .. 776 1 7 2,492 2 33 78b 4a and 4b 4 .. 417 0 0 208 2 14 g B 2b " 797 0 0 2,534 1 8 78b 4a and 4b 5 .. 441 3 1 716 1 0 Heruiwi 4a 2b .. .. 841 0 0 826 0 0 Rimuroa 1 .. .. 25 3 23 109 3 28 Kahuwera B 2b 1 .. 126 3 7 153 0 33 „ 3 .. .. B 2B 7A . . 191 1 0 590 0 12 „ 5 .. .. 2 3 9 40 1 1 g 2b 7o 63 1 30 127 3 22 Rotomahana-Parekarangi— Kaimanawa Ib 2b .. 1,437 0 34 0 3 26 2b 6 .. .. . ■ 290 1 0 62 w 8 in. On 598 1 38 18 0 12 6a 2 1b .. .. 1,273 0 0 167 U U Te Karae 2b Ib " 159 1 24 122 0 16 6a 2 2b 2a .. .. 615 0 0 197 2 0 Ketetahi " 2 2 32 89 0 38 6a 2 2b 2o .. .. 493 1 24 247 2 16 Tp Kniti 2b Ia 8 1 1 25-9 110 6a 2 2b 2d .. .. 1,403 3 2 319 2 38 Matamata North 2l (part) !! 30 0 32 5 0 0 6a 2 3b 1a 2 .. .. 574 2 28 284 2 29 Moanakapiti-Huhuraumati D 0 2 20 0 2 20 6a 2 3b .. .. 592 2 0 188 3 33 Mnhaka 2a 7 1 39 23 2 1 6a 2 3b 5b .. .. 49 2 0 148 0 7 Mohaka 2a .. .. / i « 53 2 12 6a 2 4b 2h 1 380 0 0 78 0 0 " o B . 32 0 10 24 1 3 6A 2 5B 3A .. .. 7 2 0 13 2 0 "a ..1 293 2 34 10 1 6 6a 2 5B 3B 10 .. .. 1,921 3 33 4,030 0 7 " o " 70 l 37 250 1 3 6L 2B 1 .. .. 80 1 15 8 2 25 " 9a !! .. 91 0 36 385 3 4 6l 2B 3 .. . • 8 0 0 5 0 0 " ().. ' .. 123 0 0 41 0 0 Rauhino 1a .. .. 68 3 13 408 0 2 10 and 11 '' 499 1 39 1,094 2 I • Ruatoki A 65 .. . . 12 2 18 27 3 27 " i n 501 l 11 620 2 29 Taumarunui Native Township " 13A :: :: 1,020 3 is m 0 2 sub.u 2 .. .. 0 2 0 0 112 " 14 .. .. 23 0 28 194 3 12 Sub. W 2 .. .. 0 0 11-7 0 0 8-3 " oo r 8 2 17 4 1 13 Taurewa 4, East A I .. 115 3 33 12 2 7 " 24r " " 62 0 0 31 0 0 „ 4, West E 2b 3a .. 300 0 28 111 3 12 31 ' 358 2 ] 531 1 39 „ 4, West E 2b 3o .. 178 1 15 32 2 25 " „ 2 ' _ _ 6i 0 2 156 3 38 „ 4, West A 4c .. 332 0 25 0 3 15 " l>.) ' 217 0 14 75 3 26 Tihoi 3b 8b 2a .. .. 6,209 3 27 1,025 0 13 " n B " " 15 0 0 15 0 0 „ 3B 8b 2B . ■ 5,302 2 0 1 2 0 "38 " " 16 2 8 31 1 32 „ 3B 8B 3 .. .. 8,870 3 0 838 1 0 « 266 1 25 162 2 15 „ 3b 8B 4 .. .. 5,519 0 0 117 0 0 ;; 40A " 347 312 144 028 » •• I o' 7 5 23 o 3 o aot! 351 0 10 378 3 30 „ 3B 8B 8 .. .. 16,106 0 0 23 0 0 "40 1 3 20 3 0 20 Tokaanu B Id .. .. 1 3 32 137 0 8 " tl :: :: 23 0 29 63 311 „ bil .. .. to 130 110 0 0 "45 .. 44 3 6 496 0 34 Wahine-Rukuwai 2b .. 7 3 10 4 1 0 "47 1 0 0 4 0 0 Waihoa 2a .. .. 2 3 32 103 3 15 " jL " " , 22 0 9 , 2b .. .. 2 0 10 62 0 19 48b 22 0 22 6 3 16 Waikare 14b 2 .. .. 1,977 0 0 784 2 19 " 4 So ' 0 1 12 6 0 21 Waimanu 1 .. .. 190 2 0 13.) 2 0 " Is° " " 2 1 12 29 0 16 2G .. .. 5,501 2 20 769 2 24 " 51b 2 !. 1 3 18 7 1 34 Waiorua-Kapiti No. 5, See- 89 2 0 145 3 31 " eo x , 32 1 II 1,029 2 29 tion 1b 2a 2 " '54 481 1 26 248 2 14 Waipaoa 5a 2 .. .. 881 1 6-9 1,125 2 33-1 "55b .. .. 2 1 0 87 2 25 5o .. .. 56 1 21 24 2 19 55 226 2 32 41 3 30 Waipoua 2b 2b 3 .. .. 1,372 3 5 32 0 3o : z\\\ tllll " £!o B1 :: :: i.S! I I i SIS oS»3 :: .. 463 0 0 t i93 1 33 ■ 9 Waituhi-Kuratau 1b .. 0 Peka C 594 0 0 1,510 0 0 Wharekahika 18j .. .. 315 0 37 962 3 15 Pokatakina A .. 24 0 0 187 0 0 Wharepuhunga 15b .. 20 0 0 99 0 15 Pouakani A Ib .. .. 79 0 0 315 0 0 „ 8b .. 70 0 0 30 0 0 Rangatira-Kapiti 4, Section 4 353 2 0 10 2 30 „ •• 0 0 57 0 0 llangitot°^Tuh ua 80 0 0 388 0 36 Whirinaki 1, Section 4b Ib 1,317 0 0 432 3 7 77b2b4o !! •' 3 13 0 39 585 0 0 Totals .. .. 97,120 1 32-3 41,275 2 6-6