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1893. NEW ZEALAND.

"THE NATIVE LAND (VALIDATION OF TITLES) ACT, 1892." (CERTIFICATES GRANTED AND REFUSED UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF, TOGETHER WITH REPORT OF THE COURT.)

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly in pursuance of Section 16 of the Act.

Mr. A. Mackay to the Chief Judge, Native Land Court, Wellington. Sir, —■ Native Land Court Department, Wellington, sth September, 1893. In conformity with the provisions of " The Native Land (Validation of Titles) Act, 1892," and the rules issued thereunder, I have the honour to report that the application of Mr. E. T. Warren, under the aforesaid Act, for a certificate recommending the validation of his purchase of the interests of certain Natives in the Mangaohane and Mangaohane No. 1 Blocks was duly inquired into at Hastings, on the 19th July last and subsequent days, by a duly constituted Court under the Act, and that the Court was satisfied from the evidence given that the purchases were such that would admit of a certificate being given, although the purchases were not made strictly in accordance with the statutes under which the titles to the aforesaid blocks were held, but in all other respects were bona fide. The Mangaohane and Mangaohane No. 1 Blocks, the subjects of application and investigation, comprise a total acreage of 53,191 acres, and at the time Mr. Warren negotiated with the owners were held under certificate of title issued under " The Native Land Court Act, 1880," by 146 persons, only sixty-four of whom sold their interests. These purchases consequently are irregular, through having been made in violation of the expressed conditions of the title under which the Natives hold the land, as " The Native Land Act, 1873," which governs the disposal of land held under certificate of title issued under the Act of 1880 expressly forbids alienation except by way of lease for twentyone years, without the requirements of section 59 of that Act are fully complied with. The Court was nevertheless of opinion that, although the law had not been strictly complied with, the purchases were bona fide and suitable for validation, and it decided to grant its certificate. Enclosed I beg to hand you the evidence taken at the inquiry, the certificate issued by the Court, and copies of the two deeds of conveyance, with various attachments appended. I have, &c, The Chief Judge, Native Land Court, Wellington. A. Mackay.

Return under Section 16 of "The Native Land (Validation of Titles) Act, 1892."

The foregoing is a correct return under section 16 of " The Native Land (Validation of Titles) Act, 1892," for the period between 24th July, 1893 (up to which date return already furnished), and 9th September, 1893. Geo. B. Davy, Chief Judge.

No. of Application. Nature of Instrument evidencing Transaction in respect of which Validation is required. Amount of Purchase-money. Name of Applicant. Whether Certificate granted or refused. By what Judge. Mangaohane No. : 1, 22,084 acres. 32 Transfer dated 9th March, 1886: Wakapu Tukiawha, Wiania Benata, Katarina Hiratukiterangi, Baita Tuterangi, Rena Maikuku, Iwikau te Heuheu, Teoti Pohe, Pukapuka Teoti, Harawira Heperi, Kohatu Rawiri, Rawinia te Wanikau, and Heta Tanguru to Richard Townsend Warren, of undivided interests £350, and such further sum as should make the price 10s. an acre for the land awarded to the vendors on partition Biohara Townsena Warren Granted A. Mackay ;aohane Block, 31,110 acres (now known as Mi 22,084 ai , and Mangaoi MANi .ngaohane No. 2] [Ane No. 1 Block, 32 Transfer dated 8th August, 1S85 : Renata Kawepo, Anaru te Wanikau, Karena te Manu-o-tawhaki, Heta Hakiwai, Hoani Hakiwai, Wi Hakiwai, Ka Hakiwai, Kirungaahi Hakiwai, Hakiwai, Atareta Hetariki, Bawiri te Hoeroa, Te Matetahuna, Harata Keokeo, Meri Tawhara, Wiremu Paraotene, Karena Taniwha, Watarauhi Hohaia, Te Amopo te Mina, Waipu te Moata, Tauria Paraotene, Waata Bakaiwerohia, Riria te Rere, Maata Kato, Harata Hokahoka, Hopa te Auraki, and (Rora) te Oii to Richard Townsend Warren, of undivided interests £1,000, and such further sum as should make the price 10s. an acre for the land awarded to the vendors on partition Bichard Townsend Warren j Granted I A. Mackay