I.—2b

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400 acres were for myself—for my share in the Township of Gisborne —because my name was included in the Crown grant. 51. If they had all received their equal shares, as you say they were entitled to, I understand you to say that their share in value would be equal to about £20,000 ? —lf they had been admitted in all those blocks in which I am an owner, they would have received land of the above value, separate from my own. 52. In what position is the Waimata Block, in which they have a claim ? Has it been adjudicated upon by the Native Land Court? —No ; it has not been adjudicated upon by the Native Land Court. Mr. McLean was asked to return some land to the Natives. It was supposed to have been taken by the Government. It turned out afterwards that such was not the case. By some mistake Porter included it in the survey. The Natives—myself and relatives —who were interested went and saw McLean. He gave us back the 4,000 acres known as the Waimata Block. The names of persons to receive the block were got. The block was given for the tribe. We saw the names of the owners in the Gazette. Myself and my sisters are the real owners of that land. The land has not passed the Native Land Court. I think it was Mr. Locke who brought the list of names that are in the Gazette. 53. Is that a Native reserve?- —-Tes. I petitioned about it last year. I only desire that we may get what we are entitled to. 54. In each case where intimation was sent to your sisters, did they apply to the Court ?—ln the case of Puketapu I sent word to them that it was going through the Court. They sent word back saying they hoped that I would not leave them out, but put them in where they had a claim. 55. And you did not do so ? —I have answered repeatedly why I did not get them in. 56. Tou mentioned about five blocks in which you got your sisters put in as owners ? —All those blocks I put through the Court myself. I consider that my sisters have hardly a claim against the Government withregard to all those lands that were adjudicated upon by the Court. I think it was their own or their husbands' faults for not appearing when the claims were heard. I did all that I could for my sisters. I consider that they have a perfect right on every just ground to petition the Government about the Waimata Block, that was given back to us. In my own case it was not through any love for me that the Maoris admitted my claims. It was simply because I fought my case out, and persisted in doing so until my name was admitted. 57. Mr. Carrington.] Aro they your half-sisters ? —No ; they are my full sisters. Mr. T. W. Lewis: One reason why Mrs. Wyllie received the 400 acres was, because she was included as an owner of the Township of Gisborne, and did not legally sell. Mrs. Wyllie: I signed my name, and my husband objected to my sale; and that was the reason I received the 400 acres as additional payment for my share.

Thursday, 7th August, 1879. T. W. Lewis, Esq., sworn and examined. 58. The Chairman,] Can you give any further evidence ? —The point upon which you desired that I should give further evidence was with reference to the Arai-Waimata Eeserve. Sir Donald McLean instructed that the reserve should be made for the Bongowhakaata tribe. 59. [Letter from Mr. Locke on the subject read.] Can you tell the Committee anything further about the matter ?—I went into the question more fully last night, when I find that the case is as stated by Mr. Locke. The block was given as a reserve for the tribe. The names of ten Natives were first given, to hold the land in trust for the other Natives interested. Subsequently Mr. Locke was written to and informed that it was necessary for him to furnish the names of the whole of the Natives interested in the block, to be included in the Proclamation. Mr. Locke, in reply to that, forwarded the names of those he considered interested in the block. The only question arising in my mind is, whether other names ought not properly to have been included. 60. The Committee examined that question very fully last year, and came to the conclusion that there were some names which ought to be included that were omitted?—l may state nothing has been done in the matter since. The reports upon the petitions of Kate Wyllie and Mrs. Bead were referred to the Government. The following minute appears upon those papers. [Minute read.] The land is inalienable, and, if law admitted of it being held in trust for the tribe, that would probably be the proper thing to do. 61. Is it inalienable ?—Tes. [Proclamation read.] By Authority : G-eokge Didsbubt, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB79. Price 3d.]