G.—l4b

2

7. In view of the fact that persons of the experience in Native law of Judge Mackay and the District Land Eegistrar had assumed that this block of land was not subject to the restriction imposed by section 117 of the Native Land Court Act, 1894, there is some justification for the'petitioner's belief that she was actually within the limits of the law in purchasing the land. The price paid for the land was at the same rate as other shares had been purchased for and confirmed, and we can only assume that it was a fair price. 8. The Board is loth to recommend the validation of resurrected deeds taken in violation of statutory law, but in this particular case there is no doubt that the purchaser was misled by a mistaken view of the law taken by Government officers. Both Native vendors are well provided with land. Mrs. Prouse is a qualified purchaser under Part XII of the Native Land Act, 1909. We therefore recommend that her transfer be validated. Given under the seal of the Ikaroa District Maori Land Board, this Ist Day of September, 1911. J. B. Jack, President. E. Nicholson, Member. To the Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given; printing (1,400 copies), £1 7s. Bd.

Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.- 1911.

Price 3d.]