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one of the latter being under twenty-one years of age at the time of the examination. It is pleasing to note the increased interest being taken in the study of the Maori language disclosed by the number of applications now being made for interpreters' licenses. DISTRICT REPORTS Waikato-Maniapoto and Tokerau Districts (Auckland) Native Land Court Activities During the year there were twelve gazetted sittings of the Court in the WaikatoManiapoto District and eighteen sittings in the Tokerau (North Auckland) District. A special sitting was held at Te Kao (Tokerau District) to deal with the Wairahi Claim and other matters affecting the people in the far North. Applications in all aspectsof the Court's jurisdiction were brought forward for consideration and decision. There has been a marked increase in inquiries for the lease or purchase of Native land, particularly in the Waikato-Maniapoto area, but Maori owners are encouraged, as far as possible, to retain their lands for their own use or. for occupation by other Maoris. As a result of the war the work of the Court in hearing probate and succession claims has increased, and with the return of ex-servicemen rehabilitation matters are claiming more attention in clarifiying and investigating title positions. The partition and vesting of house-sites as a preliminary to housing applications has also occupied much of the Court's time. Maori Land Board Activities Both Boards have under their control large areas of vested lands, including, in the Waikato-Maniapoto area, four Native townships, three of which are of considerable extent. Apart from the renewal of existing leases, there has been very little dealing with lands vested in the Boards under the Native Land Act, the principal reason being that only short-term leases can now be given under existing statutory authority. The demand for Native township sections has been keen, and, in addition to renewals, a number of new leases have been issued. Millable timber, both on vested and Maori-owned lands, has been in keen demand, A large number of meetings of owners have been held during the year to consider not only the alienation of lands and timber, but also the question of the utilization of moneys for tribal and community purposes. The Boards have during the year collected and distributed considerable sums in. rents and royalties. Lessees have, on the whole, been prompt in payment of rents, and in other cases the necessary action has been taken to ensure payment. A grant was made to the Maniapoto Tribal Committee for the purpose of assisting, in the renovation, removal, and re-erection of the communal hall on the Te Kuiti Marae known as " Naumai." Towards the end of the year Mr. P. A. Stubbing retired on superannuation after serving twenty-seven years as Accountant in the Auckland office. He was suitably farewelled at a large staff gathering. Consolidation The principal consolidation schemes in the Tokerau District are the Hokianga,. Mangonui, Kaipara, and Bay of Islands schemes, comprising a total area of 522,287 acres. These schemes embrace 6,583 blocks, which were owned, at the inception of consolidation,, by 42,266 owners.

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