G.—2. (Appendix A.)

WEST COAST COMMISSION. APPENDIX A. No. 1. Commission signed bt His Excellency the Goveenoe.

(1.5.) Heecules Robinson, G-overnor. To all to whom these presents shall come, and to the Honorable Sir William Pox, K.C.M.G., the Honorable Sir Peancis Dillon Bell, Knight, M.L.C, and Hone Mohi Tawhai, Esquire, M.H.R., greeting : Whereas by an Act of the General Assembly of New Zealand, intituled " The Confiscated Lands Inquiry and Maori Prisoners' Trials Act, 1879," after reciting, among other things, that, under the provisions of an Act of the General Assembly theretofore in force called " The New Zealand Settlements Act, 1863," and of the Acts amending the same, certain lands belonging to aboriginal natives on the West Coast of the North Island had been taken, and that it had been alleged by or on behalf of some of the said Natives that promises had been made by or on behalf of the Government of the Colony in relation to the lands so taken, and that such promises had not been fulfilled, and that it was expedient a Commission should be appointed to make inquiry into the said alleged promises, it is enacted that the Governor in Council may, by Commission under the Seal of the Colony, appoint three persons to be Commissioners for the purpose of inquiring into all promises and engagements that have been made, or alleged to have been made, by or on behalf of the Government of the colony to or with any person or persons in respect of the matters in the said Act stated, or any of them, in so far as affects any lands or territory situated between the White Cliffs and the River Waitotara, on the West Coast of the North Island: And whereas it is expedient that effect should be given to the hereinbefore in part recited Act: Now, therefore, know ye that I, Sir Hercules George Robert Robinson, Governor of the Colony of New Zealand, having confidence in your knowledge, ability, and integrity, and in pursuance and exercise of the power and authority conferred by the hereinbefore in part recited Act, do hereby, with the advice and consent of the Executive Council of the said Colony, appoint you the said William Pox, Peancis Dillon Bell, and Hone Mohi Tawhai to be Commissioners for the purposes in the said Act mentioned, with the several powers and authorities hereinafter set forth; and, subject thereto, and to the said hereinbefore in part recited Act, to have and exercise the several duties and functions hereinafter mentioned, that is to say, — 1. In the manner and form hereinafter provided to inquire into, examine, and report upon all or any claims which may be brought before you for inquiry, or which you may be authorized to examine into, under these presents, touching any promise or engagement which has been made, or is alleged to have been made, by or on behalf of the Government of the colony to or with any person or persons in relation to any lands taken under " The New Zealand Settlements Act, 1863," or any Act amending the same, within that part of the Colony or territory situated between the White Cliffs and the River Waitotara, on the West Coast of the North Island. 2. Tou are authorized and empowered to make and to hold any inquiry under these presents at any place or places within the territory situated between the White Cliffs and the River Waitotara aforesaid (so far as may be practicable), or at such place or places within the Colony of New Zealand as you may think most convenient and adapted to elicit full information respecting the matters which you may be called upon to inquire into under these presents : Provided that you shall appoint at least two places within the territory aforesaid where you will be prepared to hold inquiries hereunder. 3. Before you commence any inquiry under these presents you shall cause such notice or notices as you may deem necessary or expedient to be given, stating the day, time, and place or places on and at which you will be prepared to hear and receive any evidence or information which any person or persons may desire to offer or bring before you touching or concerning any promise or engagement made or alleged to have been made by or on behalf of the Government of the Colony to or with any person or persons in respect of, or in relation to, any of the lands so taken as aforesaid and comprised within the territory hereinbefore mentioned. Ir. Tou shall cause every such notice to be given both in the English and the Maori languages, and to be published in such manner and form, and at such place or places, as you may deem best calculated to give effect to these presents. 5. Por the purposes of this Commission you are hereby empowered to call before you and examine on oath, or otherwise as may be allowed by law, all such person or persons as you may think able to afford you any information in relation to the premises ; and all such evidence shall be fully and fairly taken down and transcribed in writing; and, if taken in the Maori language, a full and accurate translation by a competent person shall accompany the same, and be duly verified as correct. I—G. 2 (App. A).