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1886. NEW ZEALAND.

LANDS RETURNED TO NGAITERANGI TRIBE UNDER TAURANGA DISTRICT LAND ACTS (REPORT ON), BY Mr. COMMISSIONER BRABANT.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

H. W. Bbabant, Esq., Tauranga, to the Undeb-Secbetaey, Native Department. Sib,— Tauranga, Bay of Plenty, 4th May, 1886. I have the honour to report, for the information of the Hon. the Native Minister, that I have now completed the work of settling the titles to the lands returned to the Ngaiterangi Tribe under the Tauranga District Lands Acts, 1867 and 1868. The blocks which have been dealt with by me and by previous Commissioners are 210 in number, having a gross area of 136,191 acres. This is exclusive of the large Katikati-Te Puna Government purchase, of the compensation awards to loyal Natives, and of the reserves made for surrendered rebels, and of the actually confiscated block. The surveys of these lands have all been completed, and the certificates of investigation of title have been sent to your office, with the exception of three which are now being prepared. Applications have been and are being received from Natives for the subdivision of these lands, but these will be left for the ordinary operation of the Native Land Court after the Crown titles have issued. The titles are now being issued by the Crown Lands Department, and the certificates are from time to time referred to me for revision. I append hereto—l. A return showing the name and area of each block dealt with, and the name of the Commissioner who investigated. 2. A return showing the names and acreages of the blocks which have been purchased by the Government. 3. A return showing the names and acreages of the blocks in course of purchase by the Government. 4. A return showing the names and acreages of the blocks which private individuals have obtained leave to purchase (not including those which are reported to have been bought without leave),. 5. A return showing the names and acreages of the blocks which are known to have been leased by Europeans. I have &c, Hebbebt W. Bbabant, Commissioner of Tauranga Lands. The Under-Secretary, Native Department, Wellington.