2

G.—2. (Appendix 0.)

Many influential Natives then objected, that if they did not return to Taranaki to take possession of their lands, they would, in any settlement of the land question which might be made in that district, be very probably regarded as having forfeited their claims. Thereupon the Governor assured them, that those who obeyed his orders and did not proceed to Taranaki should, in any future settlement of the land question at that place, have their claims adjusted upon at least as favourable a footing as those who, by proceeding to Taranaki, have greatly increased the embarrassments and difficulties of the Government. The Governor will acquiesce in any arrangement made by his Eesponsible Advisers for the settlement of this question, if he understands from them that they have considered, and made allowance for, the promise thus given by the Governor. Bth July, 1867. G. Gbet.

4. —Minute of Hen. J. C. Richmond upon His Excellency's Minute. The great bulk of the claimants present in Wellington, and at the meeting of 6th July, appear satisfied with the provision proposed. I see no end to the difficulties that would follow a reopening of the matter, as the shares of loyal residents in some of the districts have been but small, and to reopen the absentee claims would necessitate reopening the others. 9th July, 1867. J. C. Eichmond.

s.—Minute for the Cabinet by Hon. J. C. Richmond. I think, for the reasons mentioned in His Excellency's memorandum attached, that the promise made at the meeting of 6th July should be effectuated by Order in Council. 9th July, 1867. J. C. Eichmond.

6.—Draft Oedee in Council under " The New Zealand Settlements Amendment Act, 1864." Whereas by " The New Zealand Settlements Amendment Act, 1864," it is enacted that in any case in which, under " The New Zealand Settlements Act, 1863," the Compensation Court shall have refused to award compensation, or shall have awarded less compensation than may have been claimed, or in any other case if the Governor in Council shall be of opinion that the circumstances of the case would render it expedient that compensation, or increased compensation, should be awarded, it shall be lawful for the Governor in Council to award and direct that compensation, or increased compensation, shall be paid to any person or persons who, in the judgment of the Governor in Council, shall be reasonably entitled thereto : Now, therefore, His Excellency the Governor, in exercise of the above-recited power, doth hereby, with the advice and consent of the Executive Council of the colony, award unto persons of the several hapus or tribes named in the Schedule hereto, being absentees to whom the Compensation Court has refused to award compensation, land within the several districts lately occupied by members of the said hapus or tribes respectively, to the extent set opposite the name of the said hapus or tribes severally, to be held jointly by such persons in each hapu or tribe respectively, subject to such subdivision as they may hereafter agree upon : Provided that the land in the case of each hapu or tribe may be iu one or in several lots, as the Colonial Secretary may determine : Provided further that the Governor may hereafter make grants of the said land to such person or persons on behalf of the several hapus, or in their own right, as may be agreed upon by the persons entitled under this Order, being not more than ten grantees in one grant.

Schedule. Acres. Ngatimutunga Ngatirahiri Ngatitama Ngatiawa Puketapu ... ... Taranaki [Note. —The amounts do not appear in the draft order.]

7. —Minute of the Hon. Native Minister. The Attorney-General is requested to settle this Order [in Council]. 20th July, 1867. J. C. Eichmond.

B.—Minute of the Attorney-General. Hon. Ministee for Native Aeeaies. I doubt whether the Governor has authority, by Order in Council, to do anything but award an amount in money, to be paid to an individual person or to persons. I do notr think that the Act contemplates claims from tribes and hapus. If the claimants agree to take land before the award is made by the Governor, I am disposed to think that such award might be satisfied in land, if the Colonial Secretary thought fit. 2nd August, 1867. J. Peendergast.

9. —Minute of the Under-Secretary. Hon. Mr. Eichmond. If this cannot be done in this way, I presume it will be competent to incorporate the proposal in the Bill which will bo brought in for the giving of reserves to rebels. Bth August, 1867. W. Eolleston.