1

1905. NEW ZEALAND.

"THE MAORI LAND CLAIMS ADJUSTMENT AND LAWS AMENDMENT ACT, 1904" (REPORT OF THE ROYAL COMMISSION APPOINTED UNDER SECTION 11 OF).

Laid on the Table of both Houses of the General Assembly hy Command of His Excellency.

COMMISSION.

Plunket, Governor. To all to whom these presents shall come, and to George Boutflower Davy, of Wellington, Esquire, David Scannell, of Auckland, Esquire, and Apirana Turupa Ngata, of Gisborne, Esquire. Whereas it is provided by section eleven of " The Maori Land Claims Adjustment and Laws Amendment Act, 1904," that it shall be lawful for the Governor by Order in Council to appoint one or more Royal Commissions to investigate the claims and allegations set out in the petitions referred to in the Second Schedule to the said Act, and to make such recommendations as appear to accord with the equities of each case: And whereas it is expedient that a Commission should be appointed as aforesaid : Now, therefore, know ye that I, William Lee, Baron Plunket, the Governor of the Colony of New Zealand, in pursuance and exercise of the power and authority conferred upon me by the said Act, and of all other powers and authorities enabling me in this behalf, and acting by and with the consent and advice of the Executive Council of the said colony, do hereby appoint you the said George Boutflower Davy, David Scannell, and Apirana Turupa Ngata, to be a Commission to investigate the claims and allegations set out in the petitions referred to in the Second Schedule to the said Act, and set out in the Schedule hereto, and to make such recommendations as appear to accord with the equities of each case. And for the better enabling you to carry these presents into effect you are hereby authorised and empowered to make and conduct any inquiry hereunder at such place or places in the said colony as you may deem expedient, and to call before you and examine on oath or otherwise, as may be allowed by law, such person or persons as you may think capable of affording you information in the premises; and you are hereby empowered to call for and examine all such books, documents, papers, maps, plans, accounts, or records as you shall judge likely to afford you information on the subject of this Commission, and to inquire of any person concerning the premises by all other lawful ways and means whatsoever. And using all diligence, you are required to transmit to me, under your hands and seals, your opinions and recommendations resulting from such investigations and inquiries not later than the thirtieth day of June, one thousand nine hundred and five, or such extended date as may be appointed in that behalf. , And it is hereby declared that this Commission shall continue in full force and virtue although the inquiry be not regularly continued from time to time by adjournment; and that you and any two of you shall and may from time to time proceed to the execution thereof and of every power, matter, or thing herein contained.

I—G. 1.