Gr.—6d.

[Copy.] N. 1926/378. 6th September, 1926. The Chairman, Native Affairs Committee, House of Representatives, Wellington. Re Petition No. 91 op 1926 : Parakiri Reserve. I have not been albe to go fully into this matter, but sufficient has been shown to warrant further enquiry into the matter. The Tauhara Middle Block containing what was estimated at 100,000 acres was investigated by the Native Land Court and an Order for title issued to six Natives on sth March, 1869. About 1870 the question of locating a Military township at Taupo arose and a deed was executed on 19th July, 1870, purporting to be signed by the grantees and conveying to the Queen that portion of the Tauhara Middle Block containing about 534 acres and known as Nukuhau Tapuaeharuru (see Turtons Deeds page 680). There is no reservation mentioned in the deed, but on the plan the portion now in question is outlined in red and marked public reserve. On 28th March, 1877, Poihipi Tukairangi one of the principal grantees wrote claiming that this was a Native Reserve, but Mr. Locke, who had negotiated the purchase, and to whom the matter was evidently referred, telegraphed that Poihipi had no right whatever to the reserve at the outlet of the lake, but a promise was made that a public reserve should be kept open there. Further Deeds of Sale and Lease were executed of further portions of the block (exclusive of the 534 acres). A document was executed, dated 19th day of April, 1879, which refers to the previous deeds of 1870, 1871 and 1873. This recites that various obstacles legal and technical and relating to reserves have hitherto intervened, preventing a final settlement, are now removed and that the Natives confirm the deeds with the boundaries set out. In the case of the Nukuhau Block it says " Excepting the piece at the outlet which is marked on the plan which is reserved ". This document clearly excludes the portion in question from the plan. This document bears Poihipi's signature. The next step in the proceedings was when the matter came before the Native Land Court. It appears that in these proceedings, the Parakiri Reserve was mentioned on 9th December, 1880, when application to cut out the Crown interest was dealt with (2 Taupo p. 47 and 48.) This was not accepted by the Court but an Order made on 11th December, 1880, in favour of the Crown for Tauhara Middle No. 1 Block took the place of the former deeds. This shows no reserves but there is a note by the Under Secretary that it is subject to an agreement to return two reserves which are named but do not include the Parakiri. On 29th September, 1883, a Certificate of Title was issued in favour of the Crown for 13,829 acres excluding the two reserves mentioned but inclusive of Parakiri portion. Petition is returned herewith. (Sgd.) R. N. Jones, Under-Secretary.

[Copy.] Wellington, C. 1, sth August, 1936. The Chairman, Native Affairs Committee, House of Representatives, Wellington. Dear Sir, Re Petition No. 123/1936 op Waaka te Arakai and others, Parakiri and Wharewaka Reserves, Tauhara Middle Sale. (1) The Parakiri Reserve was the subject of an enquiry by the Native Land Court in 1927, and a copy of the Court's report to the Chief Judge will be found attached to the Committee's papers for Petition No. 223/1927. In transmitting the copy of the report to the Chairman of the Committee, on the 6th September, 1927, the then Under Secretary pointed out that the report left without adequate explanation two things, viz. (a) The document of the 19th April, 1879, which purports to except the piece of Nuhuhau Tapuaeharuru Block at the outlet, which probably refers to Parakiri, and (b) The evidence in Court of 1880 of Maihi M'aniapoto ; " There is a reserve of 2 acres to be made to Poihipi Tukairangi called Parakiri at the mouth of the lake." but remarked that unfortunately the people who could give such explanation are all dead. The House, on the 9th October, 1928, ordered that Petition No. 223/1927, together with the report of the Committee thereon, be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. No action has been taken. (2) Hereunder I set forth the position with regard to Wharewaka as it appears from the records of this office — (a) By deed made on the 10th August, 1875, Mere Hapimana Huriwaka and others in consideration of the sum of £1,150. 0. 0 conveyed to her Majesty the Queen all that block or parcel of land containing 11594 acres or thereabouts (this area which was given in the schedule has been amended to read 11060 acres) called Tauhara Middle, excepting "reserve for Native occupation at Waipahihi Stream (at mouth of Lake area, say fifty to one hundred acres also a small landing reserve at Wharewaka of, say, under ten acres and another occupation reserve at Patuiwi as sketched on plan and tinted yellow."

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