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Session 11. 1923. NEW ZEALAND.

UREWERA LANDS. REPORT BY COMMISSIONERS UNDER THE UREWERA LANDS ACT, 1921-22.

Laid on the Table of the House of Representatives by Leave.

Wellington, 6th August, 1923. To the Hon. D. 11. Guthrie, Minister of Lands, and the Hon. J. G. Coates, Native Minister, Wellington. Re Urewera Liands Consolidation Scheme. Dear Sirs, — We have the honour to report that, notwithstanding the delays incidental to a scheme of this magnitude, satisfactory progress has been made in giving effect to the provisions of the Urewera Lands Act, 1921-22. The work of the Commission has been retarded owing to the Natives postponing meetings from time to time, disputes as to boundaries, and rival claims to various portions of the land, necessitating visits to the places, and in some cases topographical surveys, to guide us in giving decisions, and generally in explaining the object of the consolidation to the Natives. In many cases our work amounted to investigations of title, in which we were heavily handicapped for the want of reliable surveys. We believe that the major portion of the work already completed has met with the entire satisfaction of the Natives. In the Waimana Valley thirty onojNative sections have been laid off and surveyed. The plans are now being examined, and the orders will shortly be completed. At Raroa eight Native sections have been laid off, surveyed plans examined, and the orders are now being prepared. At Ruatoki fifty-one Native locations have been fixed, and most of them surveyed. In some instances topographical surveys were necessary before final orders could be made and boundaries fixed. Those surveys have been completed, and plans are now being prepared, and as soon as these arc finished we shall hold another meeting at Ruatoki to complete our work. At. Waioh.au nine Native awards were located, and are now being surveyed. At To Whaiti twenty-two awards have been made. Their survey is well advanced, and will be completed this spring. At Maungapohatu six subdivisions have been laid off, and arrangements made for their survey to be proceeded with this spring. At Ruatahuna sixteen subdivisional orders have been drawn up, and topographical plans have been prepared to enable the remainder of the claims in this district to be dealt with as soon as the petitions of Tikareti te Iriwhiro (No. 341/1922), Pineere Hori and others, to Parliament have been disposed of. At present Pineere and others associated with him refuse to submit their claims for our consideration. We have found that in the Ruatahuna district the sitting of the Commission placed a heavy burden on the resident owners in supplying food and accommodation for the visiting tribes interested. The sitting at Ruatahuna stands adjourned, and we suggest that when we resume there we should be empowered to make a small contribution towards the expenses of the marae. At Ohauterangi twelve Native awards were made, and their survey will be proceeded with this spring.