NATIVE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT OF THE UNDER-SECRETARY FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1947

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1947 Session I, G-09

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1947 NEW ZEALAND

NATIVE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT OF THE UNDER-SECRETARY FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1947

Laid on the Table of the House of Representatives by Leave

The Under-Secretary, Native Department, to the Right Hon, the Minister of Maori Affairs. Sir, — Native Department, Wellington, 16th June, 1947. I have the honour to present herewith the annual report upon the activities of this Department, excluding Maori land development, Maori housing, and the rehabilitation of Maori ex-servicemen, which are dealt with in a separate report submitted by the Board of Native Affairs. The report covers the financial year ended 31st March, 1947. I have, &c., G. P. Shepherd, Under-Secretary and Native Trustee. The Right Hon. P. Fraser, Minister of Maori Affairs.

GENERAL REPORT Apart from the normal functions of the Department, the more important matters attended to by it during the past year have been chiefly in connection with the settlement of outstanding Maori land claims in accordance with the policy of the Government. The Ngaitahu Trust Board Act, 1946, provided machinery for the administration of the moneys paid in the settlement of the Ngaitahu Claim—a claim that has been unsettled for over ninety years. The Ngaitahu Trust Board has been reconstituted under this Act, and will be ready to function shortly. The settlement of claims arising out of the confiscations of land following the Waikato War, and the establishment of the Tainui Maori Trust Board to administer the funds on behalf of the tribes concerned, have been provided for by the Waikato-Maniapoto Maori Claims Settlement Act, 1946. The Board is established and is functioning. It is pleasing to record the final settlement of this claim after negotiations extending over a very long period of years. Another long-standing claim settled during the year was that of the Whakatohea Tribe, of the Bay of Plenty. It concerned lands confiscated in their tribal area. Section 2 of the Finance Act, 1946, provided for the payment of a lump sum of £20,000 in final settlement of this claim. The investigation of other claims was also undertaken during the year. On the sth October, 1946, a Royal Warrant was issued appointing the Right Hon. Sir Michael Myers, P. 0., G.C.M.G., Mr. Hanara Reedy, and Mr. Albert Samuel to be a Commission to inquire into and report on the claims that had from time to time been made by the Maoris, particularly of the North Auckland district, concerning the lands which are commonly referred to as " surplus lands." The surplus lands arose from the purchases made by Europeans from the Maoris before sovereignty was proclaimed over New Zealand and also from purchases made pursuant to certain Proclamations put forth by Governor

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Fitzroy in 1844 under which the Crown's exclusive right to purchase land from the Maoris was waived. These purchases were subject to investigations at the hands of Land Claim Commissioners, and where the purchases were found to be valid the Commissioners recommended that grants should be issued from the Crown to the purchasers. Because of statutory limitations, and for other reasons, not all the land that was bought from the Maoris was granted back to the purchasers. It is the residue from the purchases which remained in the Crown that is referred to as surplus. At the 31st March last the Commission had held two sittings, but had not, by reason of the large amount of preparatory work to be done by counsel, been able to complete the inquiry. It is hoped that a thorough investigation of Maori claims and a settlement of those which are well founded will do much to promote even closer relations between Maori and pakeha. Staff The staff of the Department as at 31st March, 1947, including the 7 Judges pf the Native Land Court, numbered 564, as compared with 586 at this time in 1946. The decline is accounted for by reason of numerous resignations during the year of permanent and temporary employees —principally ex-servicemen who have either taken up private employment or who have transferred to other Departments of State. Details are as follows, the corresponding figure for 1946 being shown in parentheses : Office staff:— I—:: :: :: Field staff:— Permanent .. .. .. ..30 (18) \ lAi ~,,, Temporary .. .. .. .. 114 (113) J ' 564 The number of officers serving in the Armed Forces had declined from 51 to 8. At the end of the year there were 52 permanent and 82 temporary Maori officers in the Department, making a total of 134, or approximately 23-9 per cent., of the staff. MAORI WELFARE Organization During the past year Maori welfare, as provided for under the Maori Social and Economic Advancement Act, 1945, has progressed steadily. Every effort is being made to put into effect, as early as possible, the Government's policy to place in the hands of the Maori people a greater share in the administration of matters affecting their race. Each of the seven Native Land Court districts has been subdivided into zones based on boundaries of counties, boroughs, and Town Districts, as, under such subdivision, statistics are more readily available, boundaries more easily fixed, and liaison with local bodies facilitated. Cognizance was also taken of the old Maori Council boundaries, but adjustments to all existing boundaries have been necessary to ensure a more even distribution of Maori population among the Welfare Officers. In all there are twenty-two zones, twenty-one being in the North Island, the South Island forming the one zone. These zones have been further subdivided into tribal districts, which in turn have been subdivided into Tribal Committee areas. Tribal Executives represent the tribal districts, and Tribal Committees are formed for the Tribal Committee areas. The number of Welfare Officers considered sufficient to carry into effect the provisions of the Act is 23 male and 13 female—in all, 36—so it will be seen that every zone is covered by a male Welfare Officer, whilst the 13 lady Welfare Officers are so distributed that a complete coverage of New Zealand is assured.

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Administration The administration and control is from the Minister of Maori Affairs through the Under-Secretary as Permanent Head of the Department to the Controller, Maori Social and Economic Advancement, and from the Controller to the Welfare Officers in the field, and so on through the Tribal Executives and Tribal ■Committees to the Maori individual. By the reverse procedure are matters brought to the notice of the Minister of Maori Affairs. The Controller was appointed in September, 1946, and shortly afterwards applications for Welfare Officers were called. The majority of these officers have now been appointed. The Maori people themselves have shown their interest in the Act by the ready formation of Tribal Committees and Tribal Executives and also by the numerous inquiries and requests addressed to the "Controller. However, one or two districts viewed the Act with a certain amount of •disinterest, but these have now signified their desire to function under the Act. So far 4 tribal districts and 95 Tribal Committee areas have been gazetted. It was hoped that more progress would have been made in this respect, but the speed of gazetting is, of necessity, governed by the speed with which the descriptions of tribal district and Tribal Committee area boundaries can be prepared. Welfare Officers Although only 7 Welfare Officers have been functioning during the year under review, they have dealt with over 7,500 cases, covering many aspects of welfare work. The main types of work are listed as follows : General welfare work and advice .. .. .. 3,702 Housing conditions investigated .. .. .. 1,234 Rehabilitation matters .. .. .. .. .. 491 Social security matters .. .. .. .. .. 429 Placements in employment .. .. .. .. 287 Erom the reports submitted it can be seen that the welfare work, as affecting city And country areas, varies greatly. In the cities the Welfare Officers are concerned more, at this stage, with delinquents, placement in employment, accommodation, arranging transport, and meeting train or other services. The lady Welfare Officers visit hospitals, hostels, and industrial concerns, thus ensuring close contact with the people and ascertaining their requirements as well as attending to their well-being and comfort. In the country districts the Welfare Officers are occupied more at present with matters relating to rehabilitation, employment, and social security as well as organizing tribal districts and Tribal Committee areas. At all times close liaison is kept with other Government Departments, particularly the National Employment, Social Security, and Justice Departments, and the Child Welfare Branch of the Education Department. Maori Hostels The serious difficulties experienced by young Maoris in obtaining suitable accommodation while working or studying in Auckland have been considerably reduced by the five Maori hostels which have been established with Government assistance during the last six years. Towards the close of the financial year negotiations were in train for the purchase of a large guest-house to be used as a residential club for Maori girls ■employed in the City of Wellington. The purchase is being undertaken by the Native Trustee under the powers conferred upon him by section 7 of the Native Purposes Act, 1946. NATIVE TRUSTEE The statutory functions of the Native Trustee were extended by section 7 of the Native Purposes Act, 1946, which provides that the sum of £20,000 be transferred from the Assurance and Reserve Eund for the purpose of establishing and administering Maori hostels.

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The decentralization of the administration to the Registrars of the various Native Land Court districts is proceeding as staff and accommodation permit. Following the earlier transfer of the Native Reserves and West Coast Settlement Reserves, section 3 of the Native Purposes Act, 1945, gave wide authority to the Native Trustee to delegate any of his powers and functions to Registrars. During the past year the administration of Common Fund investments was transferred to the appropriate districts, with the exception of the Wellington district, where accommodation did not permit. The machinery for the decentralization of the adminsitration of Maori estates is being set up, and this will complete the matter. This policy should enable the closer supervision of reserves, mortgage securities, and estates, and should make for closer personal relationships between the beneficiary and the office. It should also tend to increase the business of the Native Trustee. In addition to the ordinary administration of the estates of deceased Maori soldiers —some 600—all next-of-kin were assisted so far as their applications for gratuities were concerned. All such applications were received by the Native Trustee from Base Records and later reported on by Judges of the Native Land Court for the information of the Hon. Minister of Defence. MAORI INTERPRETERS' BOARD OF EXAMINERS There was an unusually large entry for the Maori Interpreters' Examination held in March, 1947. Twenty-two candidates were examined, but only four were able to attain the high standard necessary for a licensed interpreter. All of the successful candidates were Maoris, two being members of the staff. Notwithstanding the low percentage of passes, the number of entrants is a healthy indication of a revival of interest in the Maori language.

FINANCE The following table summarizes the financial transactions of the Department during the year :

* Includes receipts from Native land development schemes, £663,387 ; grant from Consolidated Fund, £193,000 ; receipts under Native Housing Act, £40,323 ; miscellaneous recoveries, £21,051.

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— Total Payments. Total Receipts. Consolidated Fund — £ £ Civil List (Native Purposes) 4,997 Special Acts; Payments in respect of confiscated 31,000 lands (Arawa, Ngaitahu, Taranaki, and WaikatoManiapoto) "Vote, " Native " 429,248 Recoveries from Native Trustee, Maori Land 26,451 Boards, and miscellaneous receipts Court fees 6,249 Sub-totals 465,245 32,700 Land for Settlements Account: Native land settle1,046,899 917,761* ment and housing Total; State funds 1,512,144 950,461 Native Trust and Maori Land Boards 874,159 897,912 2,386,303 • 1,848,373

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Brief Analysis op Consolidated Fund Payments, less Receipts General departmental administration, salaries, travelling-expenses, £ purchase of equipment, &c. .. .. .. .. .. 238,963 Less— £ Recoveries from Native Trustee and Maori Land Boards 20,046 Miscellaneous recoveries .. .. .. .. 6,405 Court fees .. .. .. .. .. 6,249 32,700 Net cost of administration .. .. .. .. 206,263 Special payment in respect of confiscated land (Whakatohea Tribes) .. 20,000 Protection of Native land .. .. .. .. .. .. 12,688 ■Grants for Native purposes .. .. .. .. .. .. 157,597 396,548 Civil List .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 4,997 Special Acts .. .. .... .. .. .. 31,000 £432,545 DISTRICT OFFICES Waikato-Maniapoto and Tokerau Districts (Auckland) The business of the Department, Native Land Courts, and Maori Land Boards in the North Auckland, Hauraki, Waikato, and King-country districts has been considerable during the year. This is not surprising in view of the fact that probably one-third of the Maori population of New Zealand resides in these districts, including a very large Maori population in the City of Auckland, a comparatively recent development brought about by the expansion of industry and other causes. New problems have arisen through the tendency towards town life of the younger Maori people, which the Department has endeavoured in various ways to meet. A number of hostels, for example, have been established in Auckland with departmental assistance ; and the Welfare Officers are proving themselves of great assistance in attending to the problems and needs of the Maori people of the city. Native Land Court Activities During the year there were seventeen gazetted sittings of the Court in the WaikatoManiapoto District and eighteen sittings in the Tokerau District. There were also two sittings of the Native Appellate Court in the Waikato-Maniapoto District. The number of applications lodged for hearing in both districts has increased, as has also the amount of fees collected. The Court has given a good deal of attention to the question of war-service gratuities payable in respect of Maori ex-servicemen who died overseas. Recommendations by the Judges have been submitted for the information of the Hon. Minister of Defence in deciding to whom the gratuity should be paid and the manner in which the money should be used. During the year 58 of these applications were investigated in the Waikato-Maniapoto District and 192 in the Tokerau District. The rehabilitation of Maori ex-servicemen, a departmental activity which is dealt with in another report (G-10), has increased the work of the Court. Matters involving rehabilitation coming before the Court by way of partition, alienation, and otherwise show an increase ; and, in the same manner, those matters relating to Maori housing and Maori land development are tending to occupy more of the Court's time. It has to be regretted that consolidation has been delayed by the lack of trained staff, but the work will proceed as soon as experienced officers are made available. Wherever possible, Consolidation Officers have made use of the widened authority

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given the Court in its exchange jurisdiction and other appropriate authorities, and this enables interim arrangements to be given effect to without awaiting completion of the wider scheme. Maori Land Board Activities The usual transactions involving renewals of leases of vested lands and the collection and distribution of rents and royalties therefrom have received attention. Consideration has been given during the year to proposals for the better utilization of substantial areas of vested land in the Maniapoto area which are now lying idle. Reports have been obtained, and future proposals are now under consideration. The Board is faced with a difficulty in dealing with these vested lands. They are due for revesting under present statutory authority in 1957, and this limits the term of any leases which may be granted by the Board where leasing is considered to be the best method of disposal. The opencast mining operations on vested lands in the Kingcountry have still continued, but have not proved as successful as was anticipated by the licensees. There has been a keen demand for new township leases in the Maori townships administered by the Board, and routine renewals have also been taking place. There has also been a keen demand for any timber available on vested lands. The finances of the Waikato-Maniapoto Board are buoyant; the Tokerau Board's finances are becoming stronger and recent arrangements have greatly strengthened the Board's position. During the year the Department suffered the loss of one of its oldest and most respected Maori officers in the person of Mr. Tukere te Anga, whose death occurred suddenly at Ngaruawahia on 27th June, 1946. Waiariki (Rotorua District) Native Land Court There were twenty-six sittings of the Court during 1946-47, as compared with twenty-one in the previous year, and over 3,000 cases were notified for hearing, an increase of over 1,000. Fees collected showed an increase of £-540. The business of the Court with regard to succession, partition, and orders, other than confirmations of alienations was more than doubled. Apart from sittings at the five main centres of Rotorua, Tauranga, Whakatane, Opotiki, and Taupo, the Court adjourned to Te Puke and to Te Poi, where it was fully occupied in dealing with Maori housing matters. The Native Appellate Court held one sitting in this district. It heard an application for the Europeanization of Maori land. The application was granted. Numerous applications in respect of deceased servicemen's gratuities were brought before the Court for the presiding Judge's recommendation to the Hon. Minister of Defence as to final payment. Approximately 250 cases were dealt with. Rates on Maori Lands The question of rates on Maori lands has been one of some concern to the Court; but considerable progress with regard to their collection has been made in the Whakatane County. About eight years ago, on account of the unsatisfactory position, a conference was held at Whakatane of representatives of owners of Maori lands in the Whakatane County, officers of the Whakatane County Council, the Land Drainage Branch of the Lands and Survey Department, and the Court. A compromise on a constructive scheme was formulated whereby it was agreed if any Maori owner paid the current rates and one year's rates (two years in all), two years of unpaid rates would be remitted. put this into effect a trial collection was made. In 1940 two officers, one from the Lands and Survey Department and one from the Native Land Court, were detailed to interview and explain the compromise to Maori ratepayers. The result was most

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atisfactory, Whereas previously only £lOO, or thereabouts, was collected annually, in four days the two officers concerned collected an amount of over £BOO in cash and orders on dairy cheques and maize. This amount represented the outstanding drainage and county rates. As an outcome of this, the Whakatane County Council and the Lands and Survey Department appointed Mr. A. 0. Stewart, of Whakatane, on trial for a period of six months as Maori Rate Collector. The result speaks for itself. Seven years have now elapsed and Mr. Stewart still retains that position. During the past year, in spite of reduced crops owing to exceptionally dry conditions, nearly 87 per cent, of the rates struck by the County Council in respect of Maori-owned lands were collected and over 99 per cent, of the land-drainage rates were paid. Outstanding rates due to the County Council have been reduced from £18,058 to £7,935 in the last seven years. As a result of Mr. Stewart's operations it has been possible for the Native Land Court to dismiss approximately 3,000 applications for rate-charging orders, thus effecting a very considerable saving of time and expense. Maori Land Board The camping and farming project sponsored by the Board on the shores of Lake Rotoiti has been further developed. An automatic pump has been installed to drain a swamp adjacent to the lake ; and there is every indication of adding further valuable area to the farm property. During the holiday period quite a number of campers occupied the camping area and provided an added market for fresh milk, fruit, and vegetables to the extent of £125. The primary-production drive is being continued and approximately 1,200 acres of maize were planted throughout the district, mainly in the Tauranga area. Early potatoes, onions, and kumara have been grown and marketed in increasing volume. The past year saw the inauguration of the farm contracting scheme. This scheme has proved of great help to Maori farmers and croppers, in view of the general labour shortage. The aim has been to keep hire charges as low as possible; but the fixed tractor charge of 12s. 6d. per hour has resulted in a small loss for the year's operations. The tractors have worked 4,400 useful hours. The hire charge will be increased slightly for the next year's workings. The Board now owns four tractors and a number of cultivating and cropping implements. These machines have been used on development schemes for general farming purposes and on cropping schemes for the production of maize, kumara, potatoes, and onions. This machinery made possible the growing of 1,200 acres of maize on Matakana Island and on the mainland. An angle dozer fitted to one of the tractors has been most useful in forming and maintaining roads on development-scheme lands. The greater part of the cultivation, planting, and harvesting on scheme lands is now done with the Board's machinery, and it will no doubt play a big part in future development work. Distribution of rents, royalties, &c., to beneficiaries' personal accounts has been hindered by a shortage of staff, with the result that the liability to beneficiaries has increased by £13,700. The Board of Native Affairs was again able to reduce the debt owing on Tihiotonga Station to the Waiariki Board by transferring £2,614 18s. from the year's profits. Consolidation Satisfactory progress has been made during the year, despite the demands of other activities and the shortage of trained staff in this work. At present the consolidation staff consists of one officer, and his time is devoted solely to the K'outu area. When completed this scheme will provide approximately four hundred quarter-acre buildingsites, with the requisite road access and reserves laid out on modern lines by Mr. J. W. Mawson, Town Planning Officer of the Ministry of Works. Several houses are already being constructed under the Native Housing Act on locations approved by the Court.

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This will relieve the Ohinemutu Village and take the overflow of population from that already congested area. With additional staff every endeavour will be made to complete this scheme before the New Year. This scheme is a good example of the regional planning functions of the Court being directed towards rearranging centuries-old Maori titles, which were the result of old-time economies, in keeping with modern requirements. Other schemes to be next considered are Ngati-Manawa and Matapihi Peninsula. Tairawhiti District (Gisborne) Native Land Court Although there were only twenty sittings of the Native Land Court during the year ended 31st March, 1947, compared with twenty-eight during the previous year, there was an increase in the number of cases notified for hearing. In particular, there was an increase in the number of partition orders made, a great proportion of which were for the purpose of providing sites for the erection of houses for applicants under the Maori housing and rehabilitation schemes. Other orders made also showed an increase on the previous year, and there was a corresponding increase in fees collected. A case of outstanding importance was dealt with by a special sitting of the Native Appellate Court at Wairoa. That Court heard a number of appeals from the decision of the Native Land Court which in 1918 had investigated the title to, and determined the relative interests of, the persons found to be entitled to the bed of Lake Waikaremoana. The reason for the long lapse of time was the delay in the hearing of the Crown appeal. This appeal was heard by the Full Court, comprising the Chief Judge and five Judges of the Native Land Court, which held the bed of the lake to be Maori customary land. Some 164 applications for war-service gratuities have been investigated by the Court and reported for the information of the Hon. Minister of Defence. Many of the gratuities granted have already been used to good purpose by way of deposit on housing loans, for repairs and renovations to existing dwellings, the purchase of furniture, and education of minor beneficiaries and their maintenance. Alienations The increased activities of the Maori Land Board experienced in 1945 have been continued during the current year. The amount of fees collected in respect of confirmations of alienations shows a considerable increase over any return for very many years. The fact that land is eagerly sought by both Maori and pakeka is revealed by the record number of 88 applications under Part XVIII of the Native Land Act, 1931, for meetings of assembled owners. During the year, leases in the Waipiro Maori Township expired. A meeting held at the township to ascertain the wishes of those owners affected by those leases having no right of renewal revealed that they were opposed to fresh terms being granted. They desired the Court to revest the sections in the owner or owners found to be entitled. During the year 10 applications for Board loans were received, and 6, totalling £15,900, have been approved. The purchase by the Department of the land and buildings used as the store and office at Te Araroa has been completed. Maori Welfare The activities of the Maori Welfare Branch in this district have proved of great value to the Department and to Maori and pakeha alike. Many problems and difficulties affecting the welfare of the Maori race have been met, particularly those relating to housing conditions, health, sanitation, education, and the placement of boys and girls in suitable employment and their accommodation in suitable homes. More can be done in this direction when a hostel is provided. This is a matter which is now being investigated by the various Maori communities in and around Gisborne.

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There is also marked improvement in the general condition of the various pas and maraes in the district. The Maori people are visited at their homes and settlements and their economic and domestic problems are surveyed and reported on. Efforts are still being maintained to encourage the best use of moneys derived from social security benefits. A great measure of co-operation has been experienced from those Government Departments, local bodies, and other institutions concerned with Maori welfare work. Maori Land Board An important function of the Board in the eyes of the Maori population of the district is the collection of rents, royalties, and purchase-money on their behalf and its distribution to the persons entitled. The amounts received and distributed compare favourably with previous years. Lessees have, in general, met their rents promptly, and suitable action has been taken in other cases. The Board is carrying on farming operations on three stations on behalf of the Maori owners—namely, Anaura (5,865 acres), Opiki (885 acres), and Waiorongomai (13,845 acres) —and good returns have come in during the season just closing. Anaura Station regularly pays a dividend to the owners ; and the Waiorongomai owners made a donation of £3OO from station profits to the Whakarua Park Board at Ruatoria and £25 towards Kapohanga Meeting-house costs. The Board also administers thirteen stations on behalf of the Native Trustee, comprising an area of 28,025 acres. Advances by the Board on mortgage security, mainly to assist Maoris in their farming activities, total £48,186. The Native Trustee, as a measure of decentralization, has transferred to the Board during the year all his Common Fund mortgages of lands in this district for administration. The advances outstanding at 31st March last totalled £104,078. To assist in the drive for increased maize-production, the Board advanced £592 to eleven Maori farmers under section 523 to finance their crops. Further amounts have been advanced under ordinary mortgage accounts for the same purpose. A D 7 tractor has been purchased by the Board during the year and hired to a sawmiller to stimulate the production of timber for Maori housing purposes. Unfortunately, the miller's output of timber for this purpose has not been up to expectations. Donations made by the Board out of its own funds during the year totalled £325 and are as follows £ H. R. H. Balneavis Memorial .. .. .. .. 100 Kapohanga Meeting-house .. .. .. .. 100 Hinemaurea Marae .. .. .. .. 50 Tokararangi War Memorial .. .. .. 50 Towards cost of painting portrait of Bishop Bennett .. .. 25 Aotea (Wanganui) Distkict Native Land Court During the year twelve sittings of the Court were held at Wanganui, New Plymouth, Hawera, Tokaanu, and Taumarunui. Many cases were dealt with, and 76 partitions, including several for the purpose of providing house-sites for the owners of the respective blocks, 796 succession orders, and 566 other orders were made. Of the miscellaneous cases, rating applications are predominant and claim a considerable amount of the Court's time. In the year 1944-45 the owners of the Puketapu 3a Block were incorporated following meetings of assembled owners, mainly for the purpose of enabling the owners to enter into milling and logging operations. The project appears to have been successfully launched, and this has inspired the owners of other blocks to contemplate ventures

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of a similar nature. With, a view to a planned utilization of their timber resources ■with the advice and assistance of the State Forest Service, meetings of owners of fourteen other blocks have been held and the Court has made orders of incorporation under the provisions of Part XVII of the Native Land Act, 1931, with, regard to each block. Alienations Confirmations of leases comprise the bulk of the work of the Court here, although for the period under review several timber licences covering an area of 18,176 acres have been granted. Maori Land Board The Board continues to act on behalf of the Native Trustee with reference to the leasing and control of the West Coast Settlement Reserves. A regular half-yearly payment, undertaken through the Taranaki area, ensures that the beneficiaries have an opportunity of collecting their rents with the minimum of inconvenience to themselves. Regular distribution and payment of other rents are also attended to as promptly as possible. In order that the interests of the Maori owners might be protected, further inspections of leasehold properties have been undertaken to see that the covenants of leases have been carried out, and in certain cases it has been necessary to take action against lessees to enforce the covenants and recover damages for breach of covenant. During the year grants were made to the Maori Purposes Fund totalling £l5O, being £5O for revision of the Maori Bible and £lOO for improvements to the Manukorihi Pa, at Waitara. Maori Welfare A considerable amount of spadework has already been undertaken and the general feeling toward the Maori Social and Economic Advancement Act, 1945, in this district is good. Tribal Committees for Jerusalem, Ranana, Matahiwi, Koroniti, Parikino, and Kaiwhaita have already been elected. The Welfare Officer has visited practically every marae in the Whanganui Tribal District, and he reports satisfactory progress. A housing survey was undertaken at Jerusalem, and a group housing scheme for that area is now being given consideration. A topographical survey of the housing-sites has been made, and a model has been prepared by the Housing Construction Branch of the Ministry of Works of the site and general layout. Plans and specifications are in course of preparation for houses suitable to the requirements of the people and the environs. Ikaroa (Wellington) and South Island Districts Native Land Court Twenty-two sittings of the Court were held, in the Ikaroa District during the year and fourteen in the South Island. A total of 4,325 cases were notified for hearing, of which 1,256 were disposed of, and £628 was collected in fees. Of the 139 alienations confirmed by the Court, 22 were sales and leases to Maoris. The partition and vesting of house-sites as a preliminary to housing applications has occupied much of the Court's time. The Native Appellate Court held one sitting in the Ikaroa District to consider 2 appeals, 1 of which was struck out, the other being adjourned. Maori Land Boards The appointment of a Deputy Registrar, to fill the position created by section 4 of the Native Purposes Act, 1945, was made by the Public Service Commissioner on 27th May, 1946.

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During the year a substantial improvement was shown in the collection of rents from Maori lands and Maori reserves. The total cash receipts by both Boards exceeds the collections of the previous year by £B,OOO. This increase has resulted in additional payments to Maori beneficiaries. The total payments were £5,000 in excess of the receipts. A further £12,000 was invested in Government securities, bringing the total to £48,185. Maori Welfare Welfare work in the Wellington area continues to be carried on by the Welfare Staff at Head Office. The Welfare Officer stationed at Christchurch has been able to visit Maori communities at least twice during the year. Visits have been paid to the following districts: Bank's Peninsula, South Canterbury, Otago, Southland, West Coast, Nelson, Marlborough, and Kaikoura. Liaison has been maintained with other Departments and close co-operation exists with the Health, Social Security, National Employment, and Police Departments, with the Vocational Guidance Centres, and Child Welfare and Probation Officers. Particular attention has been given to housing problems and to the rehabilitation of Maori exservicemen. The creation of the Ngaitahu Trust Fund under the Ngaitahu Trust Board Act, 1946, is certain to result in improvements in the general welfare of a section of the Maori people.

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TABLE A.—SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL POSITION OF NATIVE TRUSTEE AND DISTRICT MAORI LAND BOARDS AS AT 31ST MARCH, 1947

* Includes £43,316 being war-service gratuities in respect of deceased Maori soldiers. The cash is held for individual beneficiaries in Post Office Savings-bank accounts established in the respective districts in the name of the Native Trustee. The Native Trust work is gradually being decentralized to branches, and the district figures include portion of those formerly shown under Native Trust (Head Office).

Sub-total Waikafrn- South (including Native Trust (i d Tokerau. WaiarikL TairawWti - Aotea - Ikaroa " Island. "g™ (gad Total. Branches). ££££££££££ Total receipts.. .. .. 101,431 85,700 77,873 158,140 146,687 62,051 13,664 645,546 252,366 897,912* Total payments .. .. 95,758 81,113 77,175 153,453 120,001 71,034 9,997 608,531 265,628 874,159 Cash balances .. .. 10,541 37,188 6,322 14,460 6,676 9,262 1,389 85,838* 74,273 160,111 Investments — On deposit with Native Trustee 15,863 65,219 77,842 13,780 110,455 38,721 10,776 332,656 .. 332,656 Government securities .. 22,865 20,725 47,065 100,468 80,702 37,500 10,685 320,010 381,157 701,167 Mortgages .. .. .. 17,081 26,230 44,249 152,394 147,242 25,239 4,626 417,061 135,607 552,668 Farming properties and primary .. 22,894 54,725 74,159 4,553 .. .. 156,631 50,492 206,823 production Amounts held for Maori bene- 57,863 133,135 127,465 130,448 250,857 140,223 24,803 864,794* 135,970 1,000,764 ficiaries Assurance and Reserve Fund .. .. 10,356 1,007 9,777 48,973 6,891 1,838 78,842 134,046 212,888 Special .. .. .. .. 25,649 63,772 63,708 24,984 3,338 1,472 182,923 5,512 188,435

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TABLE B.—RETURN OF ALIENATIONS CONFIRMED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1947

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Leases. Qa1< New Le ases. Renewals. Timber-cutting o£il< 3S. Mor tgages. Court District. To Europeans. To Maoris. To Europeans. To Maoris. Rights. To Europeans. To Maoris. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. Acres. Tokerau 2 258 1 7 5 462 16 908 Waikato-Maniapoto 13 880 3 i32 3 M35 30 1,163 13 435 i 31 Waiariki 23 6,953 3 137 2 322 7 3,350 9 65 2 118 Tairawhiti 11 '650 12 925 4 24 9 *684 15 664 7 72 Aotea .. .. 55 2,695 4 296 23 28 5 18^76 15 1,782 6 70 Ikaroa 81 5,769 8 427 12 124 8 898 i '469 South Island 12 395 4 277 "2 4^460 9 721 2 5 Totals 197 17,600 34 2,194 30 381 9 684 17 27,121 95 4,981 54 2,506 2 500

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TABLE C.—RETURN OF NATIVE LAND COURT BUSINESS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1947

14

1 Totals. Tokerau. £Sjoto. Waianki. Tairawhiti. Aotea. Ikaroa. South 1945-46. 1946-47. Native Land Court Number of sittings .. .. 126 129 18 17 26 20 12 22 14 Number of cases notified .. 14,941 17,050 2,351 1,927 3,125 3,103 2,219 3,497 828 Number of cases for which orders 4,567 5,310 406 705 1,057 1,075 811 981 275 made Number of cases dismissed .. 926 1,855 72 126 1,054 156 369 43 35 Number of cases adjourned sine die 9,394 10,440 1,873 1,096 1,569 1,872 1,039 2,473 518 Number of partitions madQ .. 564 680 104 68 242 170 76 16 4 Area affected (acres) .. .. 102,758 46,244 14,494 12,039 8,112 7,897 2,678 934 90 Number of investigations of title 32 (including confirmations) Area affected (acres) .. . . 919 .. .. ... Number of succession orders made 5,165 5,823 830 486 1,550 1,266 796 663 232 Number of other orders made .. 3,336 4,115 739 151 421 1,897 566 302" 39 Native Appellate Court Number of sittings .... 4 6.. 2 1 1 1 1 Number of cases notified .. 19 10 2 1 1 4 2 Native Land Court decisions varied 4 3.. 1 1 1 Native Land Court decisions affirmed 1 Native Land Court decisions referred .. 1 .. .. .. .. 1 back to Native Land Court Native Land Court decisions annulled Appeals dismissed or withdrawn .. 3 3 .. .. .. .. 2 1 Appeals adjourned sine die 5 2 .. 1 . . .. .. 1 Applications under section 257/31 1 1 .. .. 1 ordered Applications under section 257/31 dismissed Orders made under section 363 £££££££££ Court and Board fees collected .. 5,658 4,585 750 831 1,287 1,036 902 473 156

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TABLE D.—NATIVE LAND PURCHASE OPERATIONS FOR YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1947: BLOCKS PROCLAIMED CROWN LAND

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (753 copies), £32

By Authority: E. V. Paul, Government Printer, Wellington. —1947.

Trice, 6cJ.]

15

Block. Area. Gazette. Te Kaha 48b (water-supply catchment area, Te Kaha Development Scheme) Kaimanawa 1e /r , s f 1e 2d r(^ om P^ e^lon °* purchases) < Kohatu-o-te-haua (Part), (exchange of Native land for Crown land) Te Kuiti 2b 20b Maungatautari 4h 4b 2b \ (Purchased for Maori f „ 4h 5b 2 J rehabilitation) \ Te Pae-o-Turawaru No. 2b (Part) Waikare 13c A. R. P. 6 0 34 1,438 0 20 616 2 10 30 0 00 109 2 00 687 1 34 217 3 32 9 0 20 406 3 30 1/8/46 J. 7/11/46 9/4/46 5/12/46 J. 19/9/46 21/11/46 21/11/46