a.—l

1907. NEW ZEALAND.

NATIVE LANDS AND NATIVE-LAND TENURE (INTERIM REPORT OF THE COMMISSION APPOINTED TO INQUIRE INTO THE QUESTION OF).

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

COMMISSION.

PLUNKET, Governor. To all to whom these presents shall come, and to Sir Robert Stout, Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, Chief Justice of the Colony of New Zealand ; and to Apirana Turupa Ngata, of Auckland, Bachelor of Laws, Barrister of the Supreme Court of New Zealand : Greeting. Whereas there are large areas of Native lands of which some are unoccupied and others partially and unprofitably occupied: And whereas it would be for the benefit of the Natives themselves and to the advantage of European settlement if prompt and effective provision were made whereby such lands should be profitably occupied, cultivated, and improved : And whereas it is expedient that a Commission should be appointed to inquire and report as to the best methods to be adopted in the premises : Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred on me by " The Commissioners Act, 1903," and the amendments thereof, and of all other powers and authorities enabling me in that behalf, I, William Lee, Baron Plunket, the Governor of the Colony of New Zealand, acting by and with the advice and consent of the Executive Council of the said colony, do hereby appoint you, the said Sir Robert Stout and Apirana Turupa Ngata, to be a Commission to inquire and report as to— 1. What areas of Native lands there are which are unoccupied or not profitably occupied, the owners thereof, and, if in your opinion necessary, the nature of such owners' titles and the interests affecting the same. 2. How such lands can best be utilised and settled in the interests of the Native owners and the public good. 3. What areas (if any) of such lands could or should be set apart— (a.) For the individual occupation of the Native owners, and for purposes of cultivation and farming. (b.) As communal lands for the purposes of the Native owners as a body, tribe, or village, (c.) For future occupation by the descendants or successors of the Native owners and how such land can in the meantime be properly and profitably used.' (di) For settlement by other Natives than the Native owners, and on what terms and conditions, and by what modes of disposition.

i— G, 1.