G.—lo

1909. NEW ZEALAND.

CONFERENCE AT WAAHI (REPORT OF).

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

CONFERENCE AT WAAHI. Sir, — Native Land Court Office, Auckland. 30th August, 1909. We have the honour to report that the above Conference closed on the 13th instant. Towards the close the progress was not quite so satisfactory as could have been desired. This was in a great measure due to a committee set up subsequent to the original one reviewing all the proposals before they were laid before us. This committee wasted considerable time on needless discussion where unanimity was feasible from the first. - It was quite evident to us, from observation and the views expressed by visiting Natives, that a more satisfactory way of completing the work would have been to have proceeded to various places and dealt with the blocks locally. The Natives realise that the time has come when something must be done with their idle lands, and to this end endeavoured to assist us as much as possible. A great number of proposals were brought before us dealing with individual interests or groups of interests, but these, representing only parts of blocks, could not be dealt with. Notes of the proposals were, however, taken, and the Natives were advised to apply for partition. The schedules attached hereto show the proposals submitted to vs — (a) As to blocks already dealt with by the Native Land Commission, comparing the proposals of the Natives with the recommendations of the Commission ; (b) as to other blocks, showing the proposals by the Natives. The portions set aside for mana are included in the parts for sale. In cases where blocks have been divided under different heads the various areas hive been located. and sketch-plans are in course of preparation. We have, &c, A. G. Holland. R. W. S. Ballantynk. The Hon. the Native Minister. Wellington.