G.—lo

2

We are of opinion that, in view of the large area acquired by the Crown, and which will be available for settlement on the optional system, the strict enforcement of section 11 with regard to the area offered for lease and included in the schedules to this report would be harsh and unjust to the Native owners. We have no general remarks to add to what is contained in our former report. Portions of the following counties are dealt with in this present report: Waitomo, Awakino, Kawhia, West Taupo. The following is a summary of the information contained in the schedule : — Waitomo. Awakino. Kawhia. Weet Taupo. A. B. P. A. B. P. A. E. P. A. R. P. Lands leased ... ... 138,923 2 27 48,094 2 30 13,326 0 22 28,239 0 19 Lands for Maori occupation ... ... 78,130 0 13J 10,175 0 8 6,754 129 19,284 3 32J General Settlement, — (1.) For lease ... 104,999 2 5 5,204 3 33 10,665 023 44,726 0 10 (2.) For sale ... 3,007 2 31£ 3,891 3 26 186 3 0 2,000 0 0 Special recommendation 330 325,064 2 37 67,366 2 19 30,932 1 34 94,250 0 21J Recapitulation. A. B. P. Land leased ... ... ... ... ... ... 228,583 2 18 Lands for Maori occupation ... ... ... ... 114,344 2 3 Lands for general settlement, — (1.) Lease ... ... ... ... ... ... 165,595 2 31 (2.) Sale ... ... ... ... ... ... 9,086 1 17J Special recommendation ... ... ... ... ... 330 517,613 3 29J It will be seen that the area leased or under negotiation for lease is 228,853 acres. We should point out that about 66,000 acres of this are under timber and coal-prospecting leases, leaving about 163,000 acres under pastoral leases. This area is liable to further reduction when the leases are finally completed and the interests of non-lessors partitioned. We have the honour to be Your Excellency's most humble and obedient servants, Eobert Stout, A. T. Ngata, Commissioners.