I.—3a.

1903. NEW ZEALAND.

NATIVE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE: REPORT ON THE MAORI LAND LAWS AMENDMENT BILL AND THE MAORI COUNCILS BILL, TOGETHER WITH MINUTES OF EVIDENCE. (Mr. R.M. HOUSTON, Chairman.)

Beport brought up on Tuesday, the 10th November, 1903, and ordered to be printed.

ORDERS OF REFERENCE.

Extracts from the Journals of the House of Representatives. Thursday the 2nd day of July, 1903. Ordered, " That Standing Order No. 211 be suspended, and that a Committee, consisting of nineteen members, be appointed to consider all petitions, reports, returns, and other documents relating to affairs speoially affecting the Native race that may be brought before the House this session, and from time to time to report thereon to the House; with power to call for persons and papers, Aye to be a quorum : the Committee to consist of Mr. Field, Mr. A. L. D. Fraser, Mr. Harding, Mr. Heke, Mr. Herries, Mr. Houston, Mr. Jennings, Mr. Kaihau, Mr. Major, Mr. Mander, Mr. Moss, Mr. Parata, Mr. Pere, Mr. Remington, Sir W. R. Russell, Right Hon. R. J. Seddon, Mr. Vile, Mr. Willis, and the mover."—(Hon. Mr. Carroll.)

Wednesday, the 30th Day of September, 1903. Ordered, " That the Maori Land Laws Amendment Bill and the Maori Councils Bill be referred to the Native Affairs Committee."—(Hon. Mr. Carroll.)

REPOBT.

MAORI LAND LAWS AMENDMENT BILL. I am directed to report that the Native Affairs Committee, to whom was referred the abovementioned Bill, have duly considered the same, and are of opinion that it should be allowed to proceed, subject to the amendments as shown on a copy of the Bill attached hereto, and that the evidence taken should be printed. The Committee having taken evidence on the subject, recommend that no legislative action be taken by the Government this session with regard to agreements between Europeans and Maoris relating to timber. 10th November, 1903. E. M. Houston, Chairman.

MINUTES OF EVIDENCE.

Tuesday, 27th October, 1903. (No. 1.) The Chairman : In regard to this Maori Land Laws Amendment Bill, I have to state that I sent notice to people interested in connection with it in my district, informing them that consideration of the Bill had been adjourned in order to permit the taking of evidence regarding clause 31a. I have, in reply, received a letter from them stating that they are unable to attend this Committee on account of the great distance they are away from Wellington, and they have forwarded affidavits here in connection with it, which I think should be read to the Committee. I will ask the Clerk to read the letter first of all. [Letter read as follows.] I—l. 3a.