23

Gk—9

I now summarize the result of my investigation as follows:— (1.) In my opinion no valid orders regarding the Owhaoko blocks have ever been made by the Native Land Court. (2.) That, as regards the Kaimanawa-Oruamatua Block, the order was improperly made; for the Court was informed that other persons had interests in the land. (3.) That the Native Land Court—first, in adjourning the Court sine die; second, in not meeting until after the three years mentioned in the Order in Council had expired—namely, on the Ist November, 1880; and, third, in dealing with the question of withdrawal of hte rehearing in the absence of the Natives concerned—acted both improperly and illegally. In order to do justice to the Natives concerned the Government ought to introduce a special Bill ordering a rehearing of the whole of the blocks. I do not care to comment upon the conduct of the various persons whose action I have had to allude to in this memorandum. The facts are sufficient without comment. Let me only add that, if this case is a sample of what has been done under our Native Land Court administration, I am not surprised that many Natives decline to bring their land before the Courts. A more gross travesty of justice it has never been my fortune to consider. BOBERT STOUT. Bremier's Office, Wellington, 18th May, 1886. [Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, nil; printing (1,500 copies), __10 Us.l

Authority: Geobge Didsbury, Government Printer. —1880.