G.—3a.

Hurakia B. (Area, 1,895 acres.) Vested in Crown, 125 acres 1 rood 30 perches, called " Hurakia B, Section 1." Residue for nonsellers, called " Hurakia P.. Section 2." Maraeroa A No. 3. (Area, 5,87:5 acres.) Vested in Crown, 3,282 acres 3 roods 17 perches, called " Maraeroa A, Section 3a." Residue for non-sellers, called " Maraeroa A, Section 3b." Maraeroa B, Section 3. (Area, 4,056 acres.) Nested in Crown, 947 acres 2 roods 37 perches, called " Maraeroa B, Section 3a." Residue for non-sellers, called " Maraeroa B, Section 3b." Rangitoto-Tuhua 77e Block. The Crown's interest in this block still remains undefined. In April. 1908, this case, with many others, was set down for hearing by the Native Land Court, but had to be adjourned. When the rase again came before the Native Land Court, in October last, His Honour Judge Palmer presiding, ihe case had to lie again adjourned indefinitely. Ivopua No. Is, Section 2b, Block. The interest of the Crown in this block still stands undefined. The area has to be adjusted, and I understand the same is now being attended to. I may state that the area of block on which I purchased is correct, and therefore the Crown will lose nothing, the area required being 50 acres. Marakopa No. 5 Block. The interest of the Crown in this block amounts to 178 acres and 28 perches ; but, owing to an error in the Court subdivisions of this block being made in the absence of any one representing tin < 'rown. only 133 acres 2 roods 21 perches were awarded to His Majesty. The matter has since Ween rectified by an amendment of the order l>v the Chief Judge, under section 39 of" The Native Land Court Act, 1894." Taharoa A Bloi c. You will remember this block was subdivided by Judge Uilfedder in Kawhia about the Ist February, 1908, without tin' (town being represented. The case was set down for hearing at Otorohanga, not Kawhia, with the result that you appealed against the award, as the Crown's interest was cut out in a very had part of the block. Your appeal come before the Appellate Court at Otorohanga in August last, the Crown being awarded IH.'l acres 1 rood, to which will have to lie added hereafter another 44 acres, lint this cannot lie done until the orders have been drawn up and matters adjusted. When in Auckland the other day 1 found that up to the present the Appellate Court has lieen tillable to make any linal orders. Rangitoto A No. •!•! Block. This block is a very small one. containing IT acres. The Crown has acquired one interest, representing 11 acres 3 roods. This block was held over at the time the Court sat in October last, with the view of buying out the remaining interests, held by two persons, which represent 35 acres 1 rood; but nothing has been done, as the interests unacquired are held by minors, and the trustees would not sell, and, to make matters worse, both trustees have lately died, so that nothing can be done until newtrustees are appointed. Rangitoto-Tuhua No. 35i, Block. To the area already purchased, and vested in His Majesty, another 240 acres will have to be added, which have recently been acquired, which can be done at a future sitting of the Native Land Court in this district. Before concluding I may state that the Maoris in my district--that is. a large number of them— are still desirous of selling more land to the Crown. I receive letters continuously asking whether it is intended to resume the purchase of Native land or not. As my services as Land Purchase Officer terminate at the end of next month, I wish to convey tq,you my sincere thanks for the kindness and courtesy shown me by you and other members of your staff during the term I have worked under you. Heoi ra tena ktiulu katoa. I have, &c, W. H. Graci Native Land Purchase Officer. Wm. C. Kensington, Esq., Under-Secretary for Lands, Wellington. Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given; printing (1,500 copies), £2 3s.

Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9o9.

Price 3d.]

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