3

G.-3B

no prospect of having prepared during the currency of my Commission, no division for purposes of preparing Crown grants could be made. I have not, therefore, been able to do more in that direction at present than ascertain as nearly as possible the different interests of the persons found to be owners. Iv a number of instances the Natives for whom the reserves were originally intended are dead. In all these cases those entitled to succeed the deceased were ascertained by careful inquiry, thus rendering any future investigation prior to the issue of Crown grants unnecessary. On the question as to whether any restrictions ought to be placed on the alienation of these lands, I do myself the honor to report that the general wish of all the Native owners, who are the persons for whose benefit the lands were set apart, is that alienation by sale or by mortgage should be absolutely prevented. In conclusion I have to state that the Natives do not appear prepared during the currency of existing arrangements to go in for any radical change in the administration of these lands, but they request that one of their number should be appointed to assist the European Commissioner of Native Reserves in the management, and that the name of Ihaia Tainui was mentioned as their choice. I now beg to submit for Your Excellency's consideration the minutes of proceedings and evidence taken before me. Wellington, 25th February, 1879. T. E. Young.