G.~ 6f

2

Rangitaiki sections have been extensively subdivided, and in some cases there have been alienations (for these see Schedules A and B attached). The Houpoto interest, which comprises T V 0I 4,277 acres, does not appear to have been alienated. 2. Re Mereana. te Marohuia (deceased).- —In this case it is recommended that the previous award be not interfered with. The successors appointed were the petitioner and Anahera Patara, equally. It has been shown that the latter was almost as closely related to the deceased as is the petitioner, and she was also an adopted child of Mereana. Schedules C and. D attached indicate location of successors' interests on partition, and also show what alienations have taken place. The reference to the Court requires it to make some recommendation as to the amount of compensation, if any, to which the petitioner is entitled. Her solicitor made it plain that a monetary payment is sought, and that the claim is made as against the Crown. It has not been made clear that, in making the award which it did, Judge Mair's Court has placed the Crown in a position rendering such a claim tenable. It was a Court of competent jurisdiction, and it may have been in possession of facts not brought out at the recent inquiry. There is no doubt but that, in respect of Rapata Nepia's interest, the petitioner has been prejudiced by the fact that some of the interests have been alienated. But she is herself not blameless in the matter, as she allowed fifteen years to elapse before she petitioned Parliament. Most of the alienations are of comparatively recent date. The Crown Law Office would be best qualified to advise as to whether the Crown should be held responsible for errors of judgment made by a competent judicial tribunal in the exercise of its powers, and as to this this Court has no recommendation to make. Head Office file N. 1922/403 is returned herewith. W. H. Bowler, Commissioner.