I.—3c

Sess. 11.—1897. NEW ZEALAND.

NATIVE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE. (Mr. HOUSTON, CHAIRMAN.) REPORT ON THE KAPITI ISLAND PUBLIC RESERVE BILL.

REPOBT. I am directed to report that the Committee to whom was referred the above-mentioned Bill has, after taking evidence, notes of which are attached, duly considered the same, and are of opinion that the Bill should not be allowed to proceed in its present form, but that a short Bill be passed this session preventing all private dealings with the land for twelve months, and in the meantime the Government should meet the Natives and endeavour to arrange matters with the owners. 16th December, 1897. Eobert M. Houston, Chairman.

MINUTES OF PBOCEEDINGS.

Wednesday, 15th December, 1897. The Committee met at 11 a.m. pursuant to notice. Present: Mr. Houston (Chairman), Hon. J. Carroll, Mr. Carson, Mr. Field, Mr. Heke, Mr. Hunter, Mr. Kaihau, Mr. Monk, Mr. O'Meara, Mr. Parata, Mr. Pere, Eight Hon. E. J. Seddon, and Mr. Stevens. Minutes of previous meeting were read and confirmed. Kapiti Island Public Eeserve Bill was brought up for consideration, Mr. Sheridan being present for purpose of giving any necessary information. On the motion of Mr. Heke, Resolved, That all evidence taken in connection with the case be taken down by shorthand-writer. Petition No. 318 of Eaiha Puaha and 11 others in opposition to the Bill was then read. A number of Natives were present in support of the petition, the following giving evidence, viz. : Hemi Kuti, Tatana Whataupoko, Hanikamu te Hiko, Eaiha Puaha, and Heni te Eei. (See minutes of evidence attached.) After completion of evidence the Natives withdrew, and the Eight Hon. E. J. Seddon gave notice that he would move at next meeting, " That the Committee recommend the Bill be allowed to proceed, and also that full and liberal value be paid for the island, and the proceeds invested in annuities for the owners and their descendants, or in the purchase of lands of equal value and giving equal returns."

Thursday, 16th December, 1897. The Committee met at 10.30 a.m. pursuant to notice. Present: Mr. Houston (Chairman), Hon. J. Carroll, Mr. Carson, Mr. Field, Mr. Heke, Mr. Hunter, Mr. Kaihau, Mr. Monk, Mr. Parata, Mr. Pere, Eight Hon. E. J. Seddon, and Mr. Stevens. Minutes of previous meeting were read and confirmed. Kapiti Island Public Eeserve Bill was again brought up, Mr. Sheridan being in attendance to give any information required. After discussion, the Eight Hon. E. J. Seddon withdrew the motion of which he gave notice yesterday, and moved, That the Bill be proceeded with. As an amendment to this, Mr. Heke moved, That the Committee report that the Bill should not be allowed to proceed, but that a short Bill be passed this session preventing any private dealings with the land for twelve months, and in the meantime the Government should meet the Natives and endeavour to arrange matters with the owners. On the amendment being put, the Committee divided, and the names were taken down as : follow : — Ayes, B.—Mr. Parata, Mr. Pere, Mr. Kaihau, Mr. Field, Mr. Carson, Mr. Heke, Mr. Hunter, Mr. Houston. N oeSi 4.—Hon J. Carroll,'Eight Hon. E. J. Seddon, Mr. Stevens, Mr. Monk. The amendment was therefore carried. I—l. 3c.