G.—6

6

attaches to the other purchases. In this case the land was ceded to the Crown, not sold to the New Zealand Company, and at a period long after that Company had ceased to exist. It would, however, appear that similar promises with respect to schools, hospitals, and other advantages were made to the sellers for the purpose of inducing them to part with their land; and that, at least in two cases, reserves were promised which were not made, namely, at Waimatuku and at Piopiotahi. Our inquiry into the circumstances attending the purchase of this block was not completed, and we therefore can do no more than call attention to the evidence so far as it goes, and to two valuable reports by Mr H. T Clarke, R.M., addressed to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary on the 29th and 30th September, 1861; also to a memorandum upon those reports penned by the Hon. Sir William Fox, then, if we mistake not, holding the Native Minister's portfolio; also to an able memorandum by Mr Rolleston, then Under-Secretary, Native Department, dated the 14th December, 1865. We shall have the honor of forwarding, for your Excellency's information, addressed to the care of the Hon. the Native Minister, papers and records, as per enclosed schedule, connected with the inquiry which we entered upon in virtue of our Commission, and which we prosecuted as far as circumstances permitted. In conclusion, we humbly crave your Excellency's indulgence and favourable consideration of the circumstances under which this our quasi report has been drawn up, and is now respectfully presented to your Excellency, duly certified under our hands and seals, this 81st day of January, 1881. (1.5.) Thomas H. Smith, (1.5.) F E. Nairn, Commissioners.

Mackay'B book, Vol. It, pp. 89-92.

Mackay's book, Vol. 11., p. 75.

Enclosure. SCHEDULE. 1. Commission. 2. Minutes of proceedings. Boobs Nos. 1 and 2. 3. Evidence and minutes of evidence taken by Commissioners. 4. Appendix. 5. Copies of correspondence, letters, and telegrams. 6. Maps and plans. 7 Census papers.

Authority: George DidS-TOBY, Government Printer, Wellington.—lBBl.