G.—6.

1877. NEW ZEALAND.

TRUST COMMISSIONER, AUCKLAND. (REPORT BY THE, OF LANDS ALIENATED BY NATIVES IN AUCKLAND PROVINCIAL DISTRICT.)

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency. The Hou. Colonel Haui.tain to the Hon. the Natiye Minister. Sir, — Trust Commissioner's Office, Auckland, 12th July, 1877. I have the honor to furnish the following Report of Lands alienated by the Natives in the District of Auckland, the deeds relating to which have been submitted to the Trust Commissioner for certificate under "The Native Lands Frauds Prevention Act, 1870," during the twelve months ended the 30th June, 1877. Two hundred and twenty-five deeds have been received at the office. Certificates refused. —Certificates have been refused in five cases—lst, because the alienation required the Governor's consent, which had not been given; 2nd, because the land purporting to be sold was inalienable except by lease ; 3rd, because there was no title; 4th, because the land was held in trust for the tribe ; sth, because the grantees were minors, and their trustees had no power to sell. Lands sold. —75,748 acres were purchased by the Government for £8,303 155., about 2s. 2d. per acre; 55,927 acres were sold to private individuals for £18,921 3s. 6d., about 6s. 9d. per acre; and 21 town lots were sold for £1,057 10s., about £51 16s. per lot. Lands 1ea5ed. —14,246 acres were leased at a rental of £556 per annum, an average of 9d. per acre ; 4 town lots were leased for £31 145., being £7 18s. 6d. per lot. Forest Lands. —2,24B acres were leased at a nominal rental of 65., with premiums amounting to Mortgages. —£2,oB7 3s. 9d. has been lent on the security of 7,481 acres of land. I append a return showing the quantity, price, &c, of the land that has been passed through this office since Ist January, 1873. I have, &c, T. M. Haultain, The Hon. the Native Minister, Wellington. Trust Commissioner.