G.—lc

2

we recommend to be dealt with in this manner. We are of opinion that more than one-half of the total area will be available for general settlement. Within the confiscated area many parcels have been recently leased, particulars of which are set out in the schedules. In many cases portions of blocks have been leased, the balances being required for the use of the owners. We have recommended reservation of the latter, as soon as the portions leased are defined. The total area recommended for Maori occupation is 33,454 acres, or at the rate of about 35 acres per head of the Maori population of the portion of the Whakatane County affected by the report. The Maoris of the district have for years cultivated maize on their lands round the settlements, and lately have turned their attention to dairy-farming. We do not think the reservation too liberal, even if the Committees of the blocks proposed to be incorporated decided to reserve one-half of those lands. The area of these would represent a very small additional value, if the assessment made by the Valuation Department is adopted as a basis for calculation. The timber on Matahina Block is a valuable asset, and the Natives are willing to dispose of the same in open market. Summary. A. B. P. Lands under lease or negotiation for lease .. .. .. 31,282 024 Lands recommended for Maori occupation .. .. .. 33,454 116 Lands recommended to be incorporated, and of which at least onehalf will be available for general settlement . . .. 80,750 2 0 Lands recommended for lease and sale under Part I of " The Native Land Settlement Act, 1907" .. •.. .. .. 12,858 0 0 Total .. .. .. .. .. .. 158,345 0 0 We have the honour to be, Your Excellency's humble and obedient servants, Robert Stout, A. T. Ngata, Commissioners.

SCHEDULE.

A.—Lands under Lease or Negotiation for Lease.

Name of Block. Owners. Area. Remarks. 'arish of Rangitaiki— Part Lot 29.. „ 30a 30b 30c 109 45 67 78 A. R. P. 630 0 0 520 0 0 640 0 0 640 0 0 ( 1,848 0 0 1,832 0 0 1,500 0 0 ( 1,500 0 0 ( 39 0 0 i 200 0 0 50 years' term. ,, (negotiations pending). „ 31 229 »j »> 32a .. .. 2 21 years' term. 13 years' term. 32b „ 32c .. ... „ 32d 32j Lot 32f .. . .• .. ! Part Lot 32g Lot 32e, f, g, and h (balance). . Part Lot 32k 32l .. :. 32m „ 32n „ 32o T' SI 2 2 21 8\ 6 16 1,656 0 0 124 0 0 62 0 0 1,561 0 0 50 years' term. 21 years' term. tt 50 years' term. 1,505 0 ol I tt tt ,, (part 145 acres for 21 years).