G.—lj

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Mr. Percy Ward has cut out some of the subdivisions. He should be authorised to complete the subdivisional surveys in accordance with the orders of the Native Land Court, and requested to report on the scheme we propose, and particularly as to the location of the reserves for the Native owners. He will also report as to the best road-routes. We note that certain subdivisions of this block—A 10, A 16, and probably some othersare affected by timber agreements. 6. Waiuta South and Subdivisions. —Approximate area, 7,456 acres. This block is near the Waima Settlement. Probably one-third of it will be required for general settlement and the balance for Maori occupation. The owners are practically the "uriio as in Waima North. But we are unable to propose a scheme of settlement owing to the peculiar position of the title in consequence of the partitions made by the Native Land Court. The Court (Judge Puckey) partitioned the block, but in such a manner as to make it extremely difficult for a surveyor to carry out the orders of the Court. Judge Edger subsequently set aside Judge Puckey's'partition and made fresh orders. On appeal the Native Appellate Court recently cancelled Judge Edger's orders and reinstated Judge Puckey's— and now it appears Judge Puckey's orders cannot be carried out by survey. We have no hesitation in recommending that all existing partitions be cancelled —that before the Court makes fresh partitions a surveyor (we recommend Mr. Percy Ward) be authorised to go upon the block and prospect for roads. The block can then be partitioned by the Court with due regard to road frontages. 7. Motukiore and Subdivisions.—2, Boo acres approximately. The area proposed for general settlement is as follows : — Acres. G. 127 K. 302 M (part). 300 out of 453 acres, to be cut out so as to adjoin K and O. O. -301 Total 1,030 A portion of this area adjoins Waima North. Mr. Percy Ward can report on the block, as we understand he is authorised to survey the partitions ordered by the Court. The balance of the block, 1,770 acres, is to be reserved for Maori occupation. 8. Waipoua 2a and Subdivisions. — 3,819 Waipoua 2b and Subdivisions. — 8,380 12,199 The area we propose for general settlement is approximately 8,673 acres, as follows :— Acres. 2a 2 (part). 816 out of 1,216 acres; 400 acres to be reserved for owners. The land is reported to be subject to a gum lease for three or four years. 2a 3 (part). 987 out of 1,387 acres; 400 acres to be reserved for owners. Part gum land. 2b 2 (part). 2,293 out of 2,793 acres; 500 acres to be reserved for owners. Gum land not leased. 2b 3a (part). 1,117 out of 1,217 acres ; 100 acres to be reserved for owners, to include kaingas and cultivations. Owners wish to have use of some of the timber on portion for general settlement. 2b 3b (part). 917 out of 1,217 acres; 300 acres to be reserved for owners. The owners wish to have use of some of timber on portion for general settlement. 2 B 3c. 1,217 Unoccupied. Gum land, some flax. 2b 3d (part). 700 out of 1,100 acres; 400 acres to be reserved for owners, to include kaingas and cultivations (clearings). 2b 3e (part). 716 out of 816 acres; 100 acres to be reserved near Waipoua River for the owners. Total 8,673 The balance of the block, 3,436 acres, is either under lease or negotiation for lease, or to be reserved for the use of the owners. We no not know what surveyor lias been authorised to carry out the partition surveys of I his block.