3

G.—6a

9. The total area (if any) that has been handed back to the Native owners : —

District Maori Land Board. Ar ° aTokerau .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 3,974 1 8 Waikato-Maniapoto Waiariki .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 776 0 0 Tairawhiti Ikaroa Aotea Total .. .. .. .. .. .. 4,750 1 8

For papakaingas, reserves, &c, only. 19,909 acres proposed to be handed hack. Note.—This leaves a balance untouched of 21,862 acres. In this total there is an area of 9,030 acres, comprising Pokohu D Block, which is very poor land covered with Tarawera ash. It has no road access, the nearest road being more than ten miles away. Under the circumstances it would be very difficult for the Board to deal with it at the present time, as there is absolutely no demand for land of that character. In addition to this there is included an area of 2,509 acres, which has practically been open for selection for some time, without result. Included also in the balance are the Whitikau No. 2b No. 2 and No. 3a No. 4 Blocks, comprising an area of 715 acres, with respect to which negotiations are in progress for the sale to the Crown. This leaves an area of about 9,600 acres, and of this probably more than one-half will be offered for sale to Crown as soon as the Native owners can be communicated with. The balance will be leased at the earliest convenient opportunity. (The above note applies to the lands vested in the Waiariki District Maori Land Board.) Thos. W. Fisher, Under-Secretary. Native Department, Wellington, 23rd October, 1911. A/'/irorimate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given ; printing (1,400 copies), £2.

By Authority: John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9ll.

Price 3d.]