a—7-

Now, know ye, that We, reposing trust and confidence in your impartiality, knowledge, and ability, do hereby nominate, constitute, and appoint you, the said Sir Michael Myers, Hanara Tangiawha Reedy, and Albert Moeller Samuel to be a Commission: (a) In respect of the Pukeroa-Oruawhata Block aforesaid, to inquire and report — (i) Whether, due regard being had to the economic conditions prevailing in the Colony at the material time and any difficulties attending those conditions, and due weight being given to the circumstances surrounding the purchase of the said Pukeroa-Oruawhata Block by the Crown, and, in particular, the assignment to the Crown by the Maori vendors of all the rents and profits which had accrued due under and by virtue of any deeds of lease, the former Maori owners of the said Pukeroa-Oruawhata Block have suffered, as a result of the acts or omissions of the officers or servants of the Crown in the management, administration, and control of the said Pukeroa-Oruawhata Block, any loss or damage for which the Crown should in fairness be held liable ; and (ii) Whether the purchase of the said Pukeroa-Oruawhata Block was concluded by the Crown on terms which were, in the circumstances, otherwise than fair and reasonable ; and :(iii) If it be reported that the former owners of the said PukeroaOruawhata Block have suffered any loss or damage as aforesaid, or that the purchase thereof was concluded on terms which were otherwise than fair and reasonable, then to recommend what compensation, if any, in money or money's worth, should now be granted to the former Maori owners of the said Pukeroa-Oruawhata Block, or their descendants or representatives; H 4 H 1 % Provided, however, that in any case where you shall see fit to recommend that compensation in money or money's worth be granted in respect of the purchases or cessions hereinbefore set forth, you shall have regard to the value of the land, as nearly as may be, at the time of the purchase or cession thereof, and not to any later increment in the value thereof:

3