G.~ 7

55

failed to aid in furnishing the requisite information, that this would tend to further delay matters, and perpetuate the condition of affairs that they were now decrying. After further discussion the business was adjourned till the 4th instant.

Saturday, 4th April, 1891. Commission resumed. Names of persons contained in the lists furnished by the people of Taieri and Otago Heads read out. Paratene te Uki stated that the Runanga had not prepared the list of the people who had been overlooked, because they were of opinion that the names of the persons who were born after 1848, but had since died, should also be included. Hoani Maaka, G. P. Mutu, and others also supported this view of the matter, and stated that if the Commissioner would not consent to allow the names of persons born since 1848 to be included in the list that they had decided to withdraw from the proceedings before the Commissioner. The parties were informed that they could please themselves in regard to the withdrawal from the proceedings, that would only affect themselves, but it would not alter the decision already come to, and fully explained that it was only the list of names of those living in 1848 would be accepted. If they chose to withdraw they could do so, but they would only punish themselves in the end. After further discussion, it was agreed that they should withdraw the request to include the names of persons born after 1848. Taituha Hape applied that the preparation of the list should be adjourned, and the Commissioner should proceed with other business. This was agreed to, and the afternoon was occupied in obtaining information relative to the adjustment of several sections in the Moeraki and Kapunatiki Reserves. Commission adjourned till the 6th instant.

Monday, 6th April, 1891. Commission resumed. Natives handed in lists of persons residing at the Kaiapoi Settlement ; also names of relatives at a distance, and the names of persons who were not included in the census of 1848. List read out and names verified. The following information was furnished relative to the rates of rental received from the undermentioned lands—viz. : Section 893, Orohaki, 213 acres 2 roods 18 perches, rate of rent 2s. 6d. per acre; 897, Tawera, 450 acres, rate of rent 2s. per acre ; 18776, Tawera, 200 acres, unlet; 894, Orohaki, 363 acres, rate of rent 2s. 6d. per acre; 2058, Rakaia, 1,830 acres, rate of rent 2s. 6d. to 3s. per acre; 2038, Oxford, 314 acres; 2060, Ashburton, 253 acres, rate of rent 35.; 2059, Wairewa, 300 acres. Attention was drawn by the Natives to the low rate of rental received for these lands as proof of the inferior character of the soil compared with the Kaiapoi land, for which from £1 to £1 ss. per acre was paid. Proceedings adjourned till the 7th instant.

Tuesday, 7th April, 1891. H. K. Taiaroa spoke about the Otago Block, and the efforts he had made to get the original intention in respect of the sale established. Referring to Kemp's Block, he alluded to the terms of the deed being unfulfilled, and the action of the Court in 1868, and the passing of the Ngaitahu Validation Act. The Natives were placed at a disadvantage by the question being suddenly dealt with in the Court. Described the action taken by the Natives to get the matter rectified, and the question being subsequently referred to a Parliamentary Committee in 1872. This was the occasion that the allusion was first made to 2,000,000 acres of land, and £5,000 compensation in money. Mr. Sheehan and Sir William Fox offered 100,000 acres. The old people would not consent to the proposition about the 2,000,000 acres of land ; this led to further meetings taking place, and Te Maiharoa's hapu separated themselves from the rest, in consequence of their views on the subject differing from the others. The sale of the Otakou Block was not included in the discussions held relative to Kemp's and the Akaroa purchases, owing to the expense incurred in connection with the Middle Island claims (" Ka tau c mate ki nga tangata ote Waipounamu"). The Natives are confident that their claim is a just one, and considered that the Government should refund the expenses they were put to. In addition to other expenses incurred, they paid for legal expenses connected with Messrs. Smith and Nairn's Commission. Great injustice has been done to the Natives through the non-fulfilment by the Government of their promises regarding schools and hospitals. Part of the Commissioner's report of 1887, read out, in proof of the statement that all their claims had been properly represented to the Government. It was arranged that all the lists submitted in connection with the Otago Block should be submitted to the Runanga. Paratene Tamanuiarangi said that he desired to explain the reasons why he had not sent in a list of names. The reason of that was because he did not want land, but money. Has made a calculation that it cost him annually £50 to live ; and if all his children had lived to the present time the same amount would have been needed to maintain them. He therefore considered that he ought to be paid a proportionate sum to the amount that would have been needed to maintain each of them at that rate. Irai Tihau stated that the land he was possessed of was insufficient for his support. He got ill and incurred debts, and had to mortgage his land to pay his liabilities. The young people had to go shearing, and the old, who were unable to procure work, had to remain at home. The women and families of those who went to work got into debt while their husbands and relatives were ab-