DEPARTMENT OF MAORI AFFAIRS ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BOARD OF MAORI AFFAIRS AND OF THE UNDERSECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF MAORI AFFAIRS, FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1950

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1950 Session I, G-09

G—9

1950 NEW ZEALAND

DEPARTMENT OF MAORI AFFAIRS ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BOARD OF MAORI AFFAIRS AND OF THE UNDERSECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF MAORI AFFAIRS, FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1950

Presented to Both Houses of the General Assembly by Leave

CONTENTS I'AGE Foreword by Minister of Maori Affairs .. . . . . . . 1 Land Development .. . . . . . . . . . . 3 Housing and Building . . . . .: . . 7 Training of Maori Youths .. .. .. 9 Maori Welfare .. . . .. 10 Maori Trustee .. . . . . .. 12 East Coast Trust Lands . . . . . . . . .. .. i Maori Land Boards . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Rehabilitation of Maori Ex-servicemen .. . . .. . . 13 Legislation .. .. .. . . . . . . 14 Maori Claims .. . . .. . . .. .. .. 14 Consolidation of Titles .. .. .. .. .. ..15 Maori Interpreters' Board of Examiners .. .. . . .. 15 Staff . . .. .. .. . . .. .. lf> Finances .. . . . . . . . . . . .. 16 Subsidies .. .. . . .. .. .. 17 Tables .. .. .. .. .. . . .. .. 18

FOREWORD BY MINISTER OF MAORI AFFAIRS 1. It gives me much pleasure to present the report of the Board of Maori Affairs and of the Under-Secretary, Department of Maori Affairs, for the year ended 31st March, 1950. Land Development 2. It is estimated that there are 750,000 acres of Maori-owned lands not now in use and fully used that could be farmed successfully, and it is the intention to go ahead with the development of these lands as speedily as possible. The title position of the greater part of these lands makes it impossible to attract private finance investment, and without Government assistance, based on long-term plans, these lands would remain in their undeveloped state.

G—9

3. There is a double purpose behind this development. The most important is the establishment of the owners on their lands as independent self-supporting occupiers. The other, a more national outlook, is the continuation of the development of the country's assets, with its effect on national economy. 4. Success calls for reciprocal understanding between the Administration and the people, and it is pleasing to see the keenness displayed by the Maori people in their endeavours to accept the responsibility of citizenship. 5. Development and settlement has proceeded during the year in all parts of the country to the limit allowed by the supply of material and labour. A further 38 individual occupiers were settled on sections, bringing the total to 1,781, of whom 435 have satisfactory permanent occupational rights in the form of ownership or long-term leases. 6. Work has been continued in the development for dairy purposes of the Pouakani Block, near Maraetai Hydro Works. Work commenced in the spring of 1948 and 5,300 acres are now in grass, and another 3,764 acres are being broken in. "Further new development has been commenced on a large area near Tokaanu, and some 3,000 acres have been sown. 7; The total in grass in all development schemes is now 278,808 acres. There is a reduction of pasture in two districts due mainly to reclassification of reverted pasture and to release of some pasture land from control of the Board. 8. Special attention will be devoted in the future to the training, especially in modern dairy-farming methods, of selected prospective settlers. They will then be better fitted to obtain the best returns from their farm holdings. In the past much has been achieved by instruction and advice given on the farm itself, but a new system will be put into operation when training farms are established. One training establishment will be commenced near Tauranga, and a second will be situated on the Pouakani Block when preparations have been completed. 9. The question of tenure has called for attention. Without satisfactory tenure, an occupier of land suffers from a feeling of insecurity. Realizing this, and in order to provide the greatest possible incentive to occupiers, action has been taken towards the granting of secure tenure to qualified settlers. 10. Much remains to be done in the consolidation of titles to the lands under development, as the present condition of titles is proving a handicap in the granting of tenures. During the year, consolidation work, commenced years ago and interrupted by the war, has been brought to the forefront and special staff has been allocated for this work. 11. Production continues to increase, and the returns at 31st March, 1950, again reflect an increase over those of the previous year. . 12. The Ahuwhenua Trophy was won this year by Mr. G. Thompson, of Otorohanga. This settler has had practically no supervision and has relied on his own initiative. Second place was filled by Mr. P. Toroa, of Ruatoria. The' competition revealed a high standard of farming and continues to fulfill the purpose of its originator. The Board, of which I am Chairman, congratulates these two successful Maori farmers, and hopes that the Other competitors will continue to strive for success. Housing and Building 13. Progress continues to be made in the provision of decent housing for the Maori people, and the rate of production has been accelerated. New houses erected in the year totalled 398, against 310 completed in the previous year. In addition to this, existing houses have been repaired, and renovated, and farm buildings such as cow-sheds, storesheds, and wool-sheds have been erected by the building organization for the properties farmed under the Maori land development schemes

2

G—9

14. The departmental organization has continued to assist with the provision of school buildings in isolated rural areas, and work was completed at Te Kaha and Ruatoki, in the Bay of Plenty district, and at Tikitiki, Tokomaru Bay, Waiorongomai, Ruatoria, and Te Araroa, in the East Coast district. Work is proceeding with the erection of a Maori district high school at Manutahi, in the Taranaki District, and other facilities at Hiruharama and Ruatoria, on the East Coast. 15. Designs have been improved in keeping with the demands of modern housing conditions, and the plans now available for the selection of home-builders provide for better ventilation by the provision of more window space. 16. Further allocations of rental houses have been made to Maori tenants in State housing areas, and local tribal organizations have assisted with the selection of tenants. The Maori occupiers have proved to be good tenants, and the Department s Welfare Officers take a keen interest in them. 17. During the year the building organization has been strengthened, with good results in increased output. 18. The training of Maori youth still receives the special attention warranted, and individual training is given in carpentry, joinery, and plumbing under apprenticeship conditions in the building organization's works centres at Rotorua and Gisborne. 19. Progress in the departmental operations is dealt with more fully in the report attached, and I express appreciation of the co-operation and enthusiasm of the UnderSecretary, Mr. Ropiha, and the officers of the Department of Maori Affairs in the administration of the policy and directions of this and the previous Government in all matters affecting the well-being of the Maori people. Minister of Maori Affairs, Chairman of the Board of Maori Affairs.

LAND DEVELOPMENT 1. It is estimated that there are now some 4.000,000 acres of Maori land in New Zealand, of which 2,500,000 acres are considered to be capable of being reasonably successfully farmed. 2. Approximately 700,000 acres of this land is leased to Europeans, and a further 400,000 acres are controlled but not all entirely farmed by the East Coast Commission, the Maori Trustee, and the Maori Land Boards. As shown in Table 1, 657,237 acres are under the Maori land development schemes. 3. Of the remaining 750,000-odd acres of worth-while Maori land, substantial areas Jie idle. As existing leases fall in, this area will increase unless steps are taken for proper utilization. Proposals have been formulated to develop additional lands as speedily as possible. 4. The 657,237 acres of gazetted land is classified as follows : Schemes. Units. Gazetted 424,098 233,139 Not suitable for development .. .. 141,459 32,403 Under cultivation .. .. .. 4,817 4,189 Permanent grass .. .. 129,819 148,989 Awaiting and being developed .. .. 148,003 47,558

3

G—9

5. Individual settlement of self-supporting and self-reliant settlers on their own farms is the ultimate aim of Maori land development where the areas are suitable for subdivision. 6. The number of individual farmers under control at 31st March, 1950, was 1,781, and details are as follows : —" Shown in the 1949 report, with necessary adjustment .. 1,796 Less — Settlers released from control to handle their own affairs .. .. .. 39 Farms amalgamated .. .. .. 14 53 1,743 Plus new settlers .. .. .. .. 38 Total settlers now on books .. .. .. 1,781 Butterfat 7. An increase in production of 176,849 lb. butterfat from 38,944 cows was recorded over the previous season by Maori dairy-farmers, the total production being 6.291,058 lb. r equivalent to 3,370 tons of butter. 8. These figures are the highest achieved to date, the increase being all the more pleasing when it is remembered that the large producing district of Northland suffered a severe drought which seriously retarded production. The average per cow of 162 lb, of butterfat was slightly in excess of the previous year, and in view of the seasonal difficulties and the fact that many Maori farmers are dairying on land which is of poor to average quality, the return is not altogether unsatisfactory. 9. The average herd in Maori land development is approximately 22 cows, many of the farms being small and consequently not set up so efficiently as the full-scale dairyfarm. The average for all North Island herds of that size is approximately 45 lb. per cow better. 10. If, however, the average were nearer the North Island average, the benefit of the extra production, both to the farmer and to the national economy, would be considerable. 11. Means to bridge the gap are under consideration whereby farming efficiency can be improved together with the quality of the herds. These include special supervision of backward unit settlers, intensified instruction, budgeting and planning of the individual settler's programme, more herd-testing, and seeking out and, where necessary, training suitable young Maoris to replace those who have proved unsuitable as farmers. Live-stock 12. On suitable lands it is the policy of the Department to breed its own stock requirements, and the aim is to sell as many surplus stock possible as fats where conditions allow. Where fattening is not possible on a property it is customary to arrange, at market rates, transfers of store sheep and cattle to properties where fattening is carried on. In the area under development, 717 more dairy cows, 1,640 more run cattle,, and 3,949 more sheep were carried than the previous year. Including those under East Coast Commissioner control, the stock depasturing on all properties total 521,170 sheep, 60,469 run cattle, and 63,559 dairy stock.

4

G—9

Wool 13. Wool from development schemes at 6,832 bales shows a slight decrease on last year, but this is explained by the fact that now that Board of Trade regulations permit of heavier standard weights in bales, heavier packing is practised. The net poundage would no doubt show an increase. The season 1949-50 was marked by a phenomenal level of prices, and although there were the usual fluctuations, values for cross-bred wools were the highest ever recorded. 14. Wool from properties administered by the Maori Trustee totalled 1,485 bales and stations under the control of Maori Land Boards produced 1,007 bales. 15. The effort to improve " get-up " of departmental clips continues, and it is pleasing to record favourable comments on departmental clips by buying sections of the .trade. .Horticulture 16. An increased interest has been shown by the Maori people in the utilization of areas suitable for small cropping and considerable quantities of kumaras are grown, the value of this crop alone now reaching nearly £50,000 annually. In addition, maize, water-melons, tree tomatoes, raspberries, asparagus, tomatoes, and many other vegetables and flowers are successfully produced. At Tauranga, poultry-farming has been introduced with success. 17. New districts are now accepting the idea of growing produce for the market, ..and useful and remunerative employment is thus found for many Maori men and women whose lands would, in many cases, otherwise he idle. 18. The four departmental horticulturists are fully employed in ' instructing prospective growers and in assisting in the marketing of the grown crops. In addition, their influence has been noticeable in the increased home growing of citrus and'other fruits, which, with a greater variety of vegetables, must tend towards a better diet and _a higher standard of living. 19. The nursery at Tauranga continues to grow and supply citrus and other fruit trees to Maori people desirous of establishing their own orchards for family needs. 20. At Rotorua over a million exotic and other trees are in stock, ranging from the iseedling to the planting-out stage. Nearly half a million trees are distributed annually for shelter and various other purposes on development lands and lands under the control .of other Departments throughout the North Island. _New Development 21. Recognizing the need for greater production from the land and the desirability - of establishing more Maoris as fully qualified settlers with satisfactory tenure, plans have been developed to bring in up to 20,000 acres of new land a year for the next ten years. It is estimated that there are 750,000 acres awaiting development. Experience has shown that much of the land which has previously been lying idle can be successfully farmed • once it has been broken in, sown with a mixture of good-quality permanent grass-seed, heavily manured in the first two years, and consolidated. 22. The development of Pouakani Block, near Mangakino, commenced in the spring ■ of 1948, has been pushed ahead and at date 5,300 acres have been grassed, while development continues on a further 3,764 acres of the property. Other work completed on this . scheme includes 936 acres sown in swedes, 730 chains of permanent fencing, 1,060 chains of roading, installation of water-supply, erection of 15 manure-sheds, and the planting of 17,500 shelter-trees. 23. This land, which is owned by Wairarapa Maoris (having been granted them in 1897 in lieu of certain reserves at Lake Wairarapa), is destined for closer settlement, and it is intended to commence dairy-farm training next year. The' block will be devoted -to dairying, with a few sheep for ragwort control.

5

G—9

24. Another notable effort in new development has been embarked upon in thei Tuwharetoa lands, near Tokaanu. Here 3,050 acres have already been cleared and sown and a further 650 acres are in the course of being made ready for pasture. 25. Throughout all districts, 10,344 acres of new grass have been established during the year. 26. It is encouraging to note the keen interest that is being taken by the Maori owners in the development of these lands through their advisory committees, and in the main they are supplying the labour necessary to bring these two large blocks into production. 27. In addition to the above large blocks, development of many other small areas is proceeding as speedily as the supply conditions allow. Contractors with completely mechanized plant are carrying out the work from breaking to sowing. 28. Other idle areas are contiguous to or amidst land already efficiently farmed, and these areas constitute a liability to the local bodies for rates and a danger to neighbouring farms on account of noxious weeds. The attention of departmental officers is being focused on reporting on such areas, investigating the titles, and approaching the owners with a view to better use of such land. Training of Settlers 29. Development of land to-day for settlement involves costs in excess of the debt which can be carried by the land on 1942 basis of valuation. To ensure that only worthwhile settlers obtain the benefit of this development, grading will take place, and to obtain.! the qualifications necessary, training facilities will be made available to selected settlers. 30. This training in some cases is being obtained in farm training establishmentswhich have been, and are being, established in different parts of the North Island. Notable success has been obtained in this respect at Huramua, near Wairoa, where forfive years ex-servicemen have been trained in dairying, sheep husbandry, and horticulture.. 31. A number of these men are settled on new holdings under the Department and elsewhere. Having served its purpose, this training establishment will close when thepresent trainees have completed their courses. A training farm is about to be established at Maungarangi, near Tauranga, and dairy-farm training will commence there as soon as facilities are provided. Preparations for a similar farm at Pouakani, near Mangakino,. are also in hand. The training afforded by these means should ensure that future settlement will be effected by trained personnel capable from the outset of handling theirfarming problems with confidence and ability. In addition, it will be a matter of policy to give these settlers a definite and reasonable tenure, which should provide them with a sense of security and it is believed, a greater incentive to succeed. Tenure 32. It is obvious that to have satisfactory settlement, agreement with the ownerswill be necessary for the granting of long-term leases carrying substantial compensation rights. In the past, unit occupiers have been greatly handicapped by the indeterminate nature of their occupation, which has militated against best results. Action has been: taken towards defining the position of every occupier and, where possible, to grant securetenure to qualified settlers. At present the settlers enjoying satisfactory permanent, occupational rights are as follows : (a) Sole ownerships .. .. .. .. 285 (b) Long-term leases .. .. .. .. 150 33. Statistical data is shown in Table 1.

6

G—9

HOUSING AND BUILDING 34. Loans under the Maori Housing Act may be authorized up to £2,000, and the provisions for granting suspensory loans in cases where construction commenced after Ist December, 1949, has also been made available. 35. These factors will impart considerable stimulus to provide home-building and should enable the Department to provide larger houses without the sacrifice to design and finish. 36. The suspensory loan will amount in each case to 10 per cent, of the completed cost of the house, provided it does not exceed £2,000, and will, subject to continued occupation by the mortgagor, be written off after seven years. 37. The Department has increased its rate of new house-building by 26 per cent, over last year's total, whilst houses in the course of construction show an increase over the previous year of 13 per cent. Details are shown in Table 3. 38. In the areas where the supervisory staff has been strengthened the percentage increase has been most encouraging. For instance, in the Ikaroa District a total of 55 new houses were built, as against 24 for the previous year. 39. During the year the departmental building organization supervised the renovation of the historic " Rangiatea " Church at Otaki. This work involved extensive repairs and the Government contributed £1,250 towards the cost, which was estimated at £2,250. 40. The year's activities may be summarized as follows (the figures in parentheses indicate the position for the corresponding classes during the previous year) : Works completed — (a) New houses— Maori Housing Act .. .. .. .. .. 252 Special Housing Fund .. .. .. 25 Rehabilitation .. .. .. .. .. 60 Land development .. .. .. .. 48 385 (310) Maori Land Boards and Maori Trustee .. .. 13 (5) Totals .. .. .. .. .. 398 (315) (b) Other building work (renovations and erection of farm buildings)— Maori Housing Act .. .. .. .. .. 43 Special Housing Fund .. .. .. 25 Rehabilitation .. .. .. .. .. 6 Land development .. .. .. .. .. 105 179 (147) Maori Land Boards and Maori Trustee .. .. 37 (13) Totals .. .. .. .. ..216 (160) (c) On behalf of the Education Department —- Te Kaha Maori School: Erection class-room block, erection teacher's residence. Ruatoki Maori School: Erection class-room block, erection teacher's residence, moving teacher's residence. Tikitiki Maori School: Erection dental clinic, addition to cottage, erection prefabricated class-room. Tokomaru Bay Maori School: Erection prefabricated class-room, installation of drainage. Waiorongomai Maori School: Erection additional class-room. Ruatoria Maori School: Erection milk-room. Te Araroa Maori School: Erection prefabricated class-room.

7

G—9

Works completed—continued (d) Maori Land Board project: Tea T kiosk, Rotoiti. (e) Miscellaneous — Departmental store, office, and timber yard, Wairoa. Rangiatea Church, Otaki. Works in Progressed) New houses .. .. .. .. .. .. 218 (187) (b) Other building-work .. .. .. .. 93 (50) (c) On behalf of Education Department — Residence and garage at Hiruharama. Class-room at Ruatoria. Manutahi Maori District High School at Ruatoria. 41. The above summary of work undertaken shows the widening scope of the departmental organization, and whilst school work, for instance, impedes the progress of house-building to some extent, it is felt that the ultimate benefit to the Maori generally will offset any delay in meeting the very pressing need for better living conditions. Building Organization 42. A move has been made to strengthen the field staff of the Department, and, as has been mentioned previously, more progress has been made in the areas where additional supervisors have been appointed. In addition, steps have been taken to co-ordinate the field activities for better organization on both a district and national basis. In this direction. District Building Supervisors have been appointed whose main function is the co-ordination of building-works. A Director of Maori Housing will be appointed, and it is anticipated that this appointment will give the impetus and drive necessary to meet the increasingly heavy demand for homes. 43. Since the end of the war the Department has suffered from shortages of building-materials, but probably the most serious factor to be faced is the virtual absence of skilled workmen in the scattered rural areas where most Maori housebuilding is carried out. Private contractors are not easily attracted to isolated areas, and it has been necessary to give special attention to the employment and training of local labour. This has proved worth while, for the twofold reason that, in addition to building homes, the Department has, at the same time, provided regular employment in a sound industry for men who otherwise would be wholly dependent on seasonal and casual work. Many of these men have reached a stage of proficiency where they are employed on co-operative contracts. 44. The departmental organization cannot meet the full demand for houses, and applicants are encouraged to seek the services of private contractors wherever it is possible to carry out work in this way. Difficulty is found in getting private builders to undertake country work, but knowledge of general conditions in any area makes it possible to give suitable advice to applicants where there is a chance of getting them settled quicker than the operations of the official organization will allow. Works Centres 45. In order to facilitate regular supplies of materials and joinery, bulk stores and works centres have continued to receive attention during the year. It is hoped to expand this phase of our organization as requirements and opportunity permits. 46. The works centre at Rotorua has continued the production of concrete roofingtiles, concrete blocks, fibrous-plaster sheets, and joinery, whilst timber is treated and dressed in the timber-yard. 47. The Gisborne centre is concentrating on the production of joinery and plumbing and it has been found that the plumbing-shop is providing Maori youths with experience in a very useful trade.

8

G—9

Plan Service 48. The "standard" plan service has been completely revised and sets of plans have been issued to the field staff for selection by applicants. These amended plans embody modern standards of planning and design, and the Board of Maori Affairs will require persons building to their own design to provide plans of at least an equivalent standard. Rental Housing 49. Based on surveys carried out by the Welfare Officers, a further 30 rental houses have been allocated to Maoris in the industrial areas. Allocations are made by a committee representing the State Advances Corporation, the Department of Maori Affairs, and the local Tribal Executive and Tribal Committee. 50. It is pleasing to note that Maori tenants who have been housed under the rental scheme are reacting well to their improved environment. 51. Houses have been allocated to tenants at Auckland, Wellington, Te Kuiti, Christchurch, Wanganui, Hamilton, and Whangarei, and it is expected that during the coming year houses will be available in other centres. 52. Special provision has been made to rehouse resident owners and bona fide residents at Orakei so that the Crown's proposals to acquire and beautify the present pa area may be facilitated. It is hoped that this long-standing problem will be solved during the coming year. TRAINING OF MAORI YOUTHS 53. With the great increase in the number of the youths of the Maori race, now estimated at 2,000 males per annum, reaching working age it has been found necessary to consider plans for their absorption in the industrial, commercial, and professional life of the country. To this end, the Maori Education and Employment Committee, comprising representatives of the Education Department, Labour and Employment Department, Rehabilitation Department, Department of Industries and Commerce, and the Department of Maori Affairs, has been set up to formulate ways and means of—{a) Training boys in some worth-while skilled trade. ' (b) Increasing the tempo of home building for the Maori people. (c) The employment of youths generally. 54. Following recommendations by this Committee, the Minister of Maori Affairs has approved a scheme of trade training which basically follows broadly the lines of the scheme operating in respect of the training of ex-servicemen by the Rehabilitation Department. At the outset, training will be confined to the carpentry trade. 55. It is proposed to commence on a limited basis and develop it gradually. The number of trainees will be restricted, as nearly as possible, to requirements under general apprenticeship orders —i.e., one apprentice to three journeymen. 56. Provision is also being made for youths already employed by the Department to be brought under the training scheme, due allowance being made for training already received. 57. Generally a prerequisite to the acceptance of trainees should be a minimum of two years' secondary education, although this requirement can be waived under special circumstances in terms of the Public Service Commission's conditions of apprenticeship. 58. It is proposed to give all trainees at least six months' extensive workshop training and then to divert them to jobs where they will be engaged in actual housebuilding. In this way trainees will feel that they are being usefully employed during their term of training and their efforts will also in general benefit the house-building programme for the Maori.people.

9

G—9

59. Close liaison with the Rehabilitation Department will, be maintained to gain the benefit of the experience of that Department in its training operations. 60. Some progress has been made with the scheme in the Gisborne and Rotorua districts, where up to 20 boys are in training for carpentry, joinery, and plumbing. 61. For other trades such as painting, paperhanging, and plastering it is proposed to investigate the possibility of the Rehabilitation Department taking selected youths for training in company with ex-servicemen. 62. The question of suitable living accommodation for youths drafted to the training centres is being fully investigated, and the Government has approved the establishment of hostels for Maori boys at Auckland, Rotorua, and Wellington MAORI WELFARE Tribal Executives and Committees 63. There are now 72 Tribal Executives and 430 Tribal Committees operating throughout New Zealand. This increase of 9 Tribal Executives and 49 Tribal Committees on last year's figures is due mainly to the Waikato tribes organizing under the Maori Social and Economic Advancement Act, 1945. With the formation of Executives and Committees in this area a complete coverage of the country has been attained. 64. The Tribal Executives and Committees now have a better appreciation of theii responsibilities and are functioning soundly. Co-operation with Government Departments is coming into evidence, and it is anticipated that in the near future some of the more advanced Executives and Committees will be self-reliant bodies able to solve their problems on the spot as they arise. 65. Besides co-operation with Government Departments, the Executives work in with local bodies (this is particularly so in one case where the Chairman of the Executive is also Chairman of the County Council). In some cases Executives have been entrusted with the collection of rates levied on Maori land, and this has proved very successful an increase of 29 per cent, in rates collected in one county bears testimony to this. Hospital Boards sometimes seek the aid of Executives in securing staff for the hospitals. 66. Tribal Executives and Committees can achieve much for the people of New Zealand generally if organizations are aware of their existence and wish to co-operate. Meetings between Executives and outside organizations will lead to a better understanding and many apparent problems will disappear. However, to accomplish this the Executives and Committees must be regarded as competent bodies and not be treated as innovations of a very temporary nature. 67. At present most of the Executives and Committees are directing their energies to the more tangible things such as installation of water-supplies, marae improvements, hygiene and sanitation of Maori villages, and arts and crafts rather than the more abstract functions such as education. It will not be long before the tangible objectives have been attained, and work will then turn to the abstract —this is already evident in a few cases. Meanwhile, achievements are inculcating a greater pride in race in the Maori people, and this must have a beneficial influence. 68. Some of the Executives need assistance in the early stages, and it has been impressed upon them that, rather than embrace all the functions set out in section 12 of the Act, it would be better for them to concentrate on a few. The emphasized functions are housing, permanent employment, health, and education.

10

G—9

Wardens 69. The job of Wardens appointed under the Act is to stamp out mischief before it develops into crime. They have fairly wide powers regarding the control of drinking and can take steps to prevent fighting and disturbances in public places. There are heavy penalties for persons, Maori or otherwise, obstructing or hindering them in the execution of their duties. 70. Thirty-two Wardens have been appointed, and a further 95 are awaiting appointment. Women's Organization 71. During the past year 180 Maori Women's Welfare Committees have been formed. These Committees are really the counterpart of the Tribal Executives and Committees and have as their aim the fostering of homecraft and mothercraft. Home life has a great influence on the life of a person, and if the benefits of a happy and comfortable home can be impressed upon the children, their future well-being will be more secure. 72. It is intended to form a dominion body of this organization comprising delegatesnominated from the districts. Subsidies 73. In previous years the greater proportion of the annual appropriation has been unexpended, as the Executives and Committees were in the formative stages and were concerned more with organization than the application of funds towards the general well-being of the Maori people. Now that the organization has been completed, many projects have been undertaken and total eligible applications for subsidy for the year under review were £71,711. Of this amount, subsidies totalling £44,485 were approved and applications for £27,226 were held over for consideration later. Summary of Cases Handled 74. With the Tribal Executives and Committees functioning soundly, many problems are overcome without reference to the Maori Welfare Officers, and consequently the cases handled by them have decreased. Accommodation .. . . 912 Maori Land Court .. 877 Child welfare . . .. 1,185 Moral .. . . . . 398 Domestic disputes .. 443 Placements .. .. 281 Education .. .. 966 Police and Court .. 833 Employment . . .. 1,251 Rehabilitation .. .. 938 Factory visits .. .. 373 Social security. .. .. 1,694 Health .. .. .. 1,578 Social and recreational .. 897 Hospital visits .. .. 617 Tribal matters .. .. 380 Housing .. .. 5,746 Vocational guidance .. 133 Interviews and advice .. 25,343 Miscellaneous .. .. 14,212 Maternity .. .. 27 Meetings — Total .. .. 62,090 Tribal Committee .. 1,053 Others .. .. 1,953 Welfare Staff 75. Additional Welfare Officers—one male and one female —were appointed during the year to cope with the increased work. It is intended to appoint District Welfare Officers at certain centres to co-ordinate the work of Welfare Officers operating in the district.

11

G—9

MAORI TRUSTEE 76. The functions and powers of the Maori Trustee are briefly as follows : (a) To accept appointment as trustee, executor, administrator, agent, or attorney. (b) To act as trustee for minors. (c) To act as trustee for mental patients, convicts, and other persons under disability. (d) To accept and administer special trusts. (e) To control and manage lands vested in Maori Trustee for farming or otherwise. (/) To act as Receiver in respect of charges imposed on Maori lands. (g) To act as agent for absentee owners for the purpose of selling or leasing lands. (/?,) To invest moneys on mortgage with the prior approval of the Board of Maori Affairs. (i) To administer various Maori reserves vested in the Maori Trustee totalling some 94,309 acres. 77. The policy of decentralized administration of Maori trust work which permits of closer personal contact between the administrator and the beneficiaries is proving successful. During the year decentralization was completed by the transfer of estates m the Ikaroa and South Island districts to the Wellington district office for administration. 78. The number of private estates administered has increased by 162 over the past year, and the following table sets out the position of the estates at present being administered :

79. There has been a noticeable increase in the number of Maoris entering into business ventures and activities, and it is found that many of them are turning to the Maori Trustee for finance and advice in conducting their businesses. 80. Under the West Coast Settlement Reserves Amendment Act, 1948, many leases of the reserves were cancelled to the intent that the lessees should have the right to elect to take fresh leases with rentals based upon 5 per cent, of the unimproved values according to special Government valuations. Certain properties within the reserves which extend from Waitotara to White Cliffs were, by agreement between the Lessees' Association and the Maori Trustee, selected for test valuation purposes, the idea being that the values ascribed to the selected properties would fix a standard, tested, if necessary, by way of objection to the Valuation Appeal Committee constituted under the 1948 Act, for the particular localities. Topographical surveys of these properties were made and valuations completed by the District Valuer. Because of the necessity for fixing the standards of value with precision, the valuations are being subjected to the closest investigation. 81. The total area of the seventeen stations which are being farmed under section 25 of the Maori Trustee Act, 1930, is 52,301 acres, comprising very mixed country and requiring various types' of farming operations. At the 31st March there were 57,039 sheep on these areas and 7,222 cattle. During the year 1,485 bales of wool were produced and the sales of live-stock totalled £65,799.

12

District. Minors. Deceased Persons. Convicts. Mental Patients. Miscellaneous. Totals. Tokerau and WaikatoManipoto Waiariki Tairawhiti Aotea Ikaroa and South Island 209 215 103 283 317 82 37 36 55 70 38 6 8 11 11 140 31 45 33 39 • 267 1 21 37 135 736 290 213 419 572 Totals 1,127 280 74 288 461 2,230 '

G— 9

EAST COAST TRUST LANDS 82. The East Coast Maori Trust continues to function as provided under the Act, and, in pursuance of the authorities conferred on him by statute, the East Coast Commissioner has been responsible for administering a total area of 121,788 acres of vested lands during the past year. 83. Of this area, 6,639 acres are leased and 355 acres are occupied by owners. One thousand seven hundred and seventy acres remain undeveloped and the balance of 113,024 acres are comprised in seventeen stations, which carried last year 104,404 sheep and 13,726 cattle, the production of wool being 2,968 bales. MAORI LAND BOARDS 84. The administration of the large areas of Maori land vested in them for leasing, and the collection and distribution of funds derived from alienations of Maori land generally, continue to form the major part of Maori Land Board activities. 85. The Boards assist many Maori farmers with finance, and the volume of Board advances for farming and other business purposes is increasing. These advances meet a number of cases where, for various reasons, more general sources of finance are not available. 86. The Boards have continued the control and management of six large stations covering an area of 42,365 acres. In all, 1,007 bales of wool were produced on these stations during the year, and the sales of live-stock returned £33,784. The number of sheep carried at 31st March, 1950, was 42,669, and cattle, 5,251. 87. An increasing use is being made by the Maori people of the provisions of section 8 of the Maori Purposes Act, 1943, whereby the Maori Land Court may, on application, vest Maori land in a Maori Land Board on suitable trusts for the benefit of the owners. Many areas have been vested in the Maori Land Boards under these provisions for subdivision and sale or lease. In the Tokerau (North Auckland) District particularly, this has resulted in the placing on the market of large numbers of building sections and in considerable returns to the Maori owners. Several sections in Kaikohe Borough, for example, with an area of 17 acres 1 rood 16 perches, were cut up into sixty-six building sections, of which 10 were reserved for occupation by the Maori owners. Twenty-one sections have so far been sold, and 37 chains of roading is now under construction. Two areas in the Whangarei district have been cut up into eighty-one sections for leasing as seaside cottage-sites. REHABILITATION OF MAORI EX-SERVICEMEN 88. During the year the Maori Rehabilitation Finance Committee held seven ordinary meetings and one special meeting. Loans totalling £205,000 were authorized—an increase of £26,000 on the previous year. 89. As at 31st March, 89 Maori ex-servicemen had been granted farm loan assistance—sl through the agency of the Maori Rehabilitation Finance Committee and 38 through the Rehabilitation Loans Committee. 90. A further 100 Maori ex-servicemen are in occupation of farms under the various Maori land development schemes. A considerable number of these men are part-owners in the blocks they occupy, and there is little doubt that eventually many of them will become sole owners by exchange, purchase, or consolidation. 91. There are 204 Maori ex-servicemen graded A awaiting settlement, and 84 graded B and Cto undergo training. Most of these will seek the assistance of the Department in their settlement. At present 17 properties are being developed which, it is anticipated, will establish 77 men. 92. The training farm at Huramua, near Wairoa, has done good work in fitting young men to become successful farmers under rehabilitation, and a smaller farm is to be established at Tauranga to train fully qualified men to take up farms under rehabi itation in that locality. 93. Tables 5a and 5b set out the position in detail.

13

&—9

LEGISLATION 94. The only legislation dealing with Maori affairs during 1949-50 was the Maori Purposes Bill, 1949, principally comprising minor amendments to existing law and matters of local interest. An important provision, however, dealt with the rehabilitation of Maori ex-servicemen who have been placed on land under the control of the Board of Maori Affairs. 95. These ex-servicemen were given the same right as had previously been granted to other ex-servicemen to apply for a review of liabilities not earlier than three years, and not later than six years, after the date upon which the land was leased to them or sold under an agreement for sale and purchase. Provision is made for the reduction of rent or of mortgage moneys in cases where it is established that the original rent or purchase price was too high. 96. The Act also constituted an advisory Council to consult with and assist the East Coast Commissioner in the administration of the East Coast Maori Trust lands. This will enable the beneficial owners to have a voice in the control of their lands and also to gain experience in administration preparatory to the eventual dissolution of the Trust. MAORI CLAIMS 97. Section 29 of the Maori Purposes Act, 1949, provided for the payment of £20,000 in settlement of claims arising out of the cession of the Kauhouroa Block to the Crown at the time of the Maori wars on the East Coast. The land, which is in the Wairoa district, was ceded to the Crown in 1867 by virtue of an agreement under which the Crown agreed to withdraw its claim to the lands of rebellious Maoris in the district in consideration of the cession of the Kauhouroa Block. A later agreement provided that the area over which the Crown had released its claims was to be awarded to loyal Maoris. This was not done, however, the land being awarded without distinction to loyalists and rebels alike. A Royal Commission of 1927 found that the loyalist section were entitled to compensation. 98. Three Royal Commissions were set up during the past year to inquire into and report upon various Maori claims. Sir Harold Johnston, K.C;, was appointed a Commission to investigate a claim by Wanganui Maoris to the bed of the Wanganui River. The Right Hon. Sir Michael Myers, P.C., Gr.C.M.G-., H. M. Christie, Esq., and Richard Ormsby, Esq., were appointed a Commission to inquire into the question of compensation for improvements affected by lessees of Maori lands vested in Maori Land Boards, and the same gentlemen were appointed a Commission to investigate several other matters which had been the subject of petitions to Parliament. 99. These claims comprised the following matters : (1) The payment by the Aotea District Maori Land Board of a sum of £25,000 to the Egmont Box Co., Ltd., on the surrender of timber-cutting rights over West Taupo lands vested in the Board. (2) Claims arising out of the purchase of the Mohaka Block by the Crown. (3) Claims as between different groups of Maoris to the Tarawera and Tataraakina Blocks, between Napier and Taupo. (4) Claims arising out of the purchase of the Opouturi Block in North Auckland. 100. The death of Sir Michael Myers after his appointment as Chairman of two of these Royal Commissions is recorded with deep regret. His place has been filled by the appointment of D. J. Dalglish, Esq., Deputy Judge of the Arbitration Court.

14

Gr —9

CONSOLIDATION OF TITLES 101. It is well known that the plural ownership of Maori lands has been one of the principal factors hindering their proper use. A person who has only undivided shares in a block is naturally unwilling to spend money and work on development when there is every possibility that other owners will reap the benefit of his efforts. 102. Some years ago large-scale consolidation schemes were commenced with the intention of grouping together all of the interests of each individual or family within a specified district. Owing to changes of staff and a shortage of officers with the experience necessary for the work, little progress has been made in the past few years. 103. In an effort to speed up consolidation a conference of Judges and senior officers was held last year to discuss the difficulties encountered, and ways of overcoming them. Since then it has been possible to make provision for increased consolidation staffs. Commissioners of the Court have been appointed in the Tokerau and Waiariki Districts with the duty of co-ordinating the work of the field staff and assisting the Court with the judicial part of consolidation proceedings. 104. An examination has been made of all uncompleted schemes, and decisions have been reached as to the priority in which the various areas should be completed. Efforts will be directed towards the completion of schemes where existing land development and settlement under development or housing is affected. The most pressing need is to consolidate in those areas where there is a possibility of arranging titles in such a way as to enable development occupiers to secure a better tenure, either freehold or leasehold. 105. Apart from the larger consolidation schemes, the Maori Land Court has been making very good progress in encouraging planned successions and exchanges so that small areas of land do not pass into the ownership of a number of successors. The Department takes any suitable opportunity of helping consolidation through purchases by Maoris. Loans are made by the Board of Maori Affairs to enable such purchases to be made. MAORI INTERPRETERS' BOARD OF EXAMINERS 106. Thirteen candidates, all members of the Maori race, sat for the Maori Interpreters' Examination during the year. The six who qualified were officers of the Department. 107. Of the seven who did not qualify, one has qualified in all the written papers, but because of illness has not taken the oral test; three of the remainder have been granted passes in four of the five papers. 108. The Public Service Commission has recognized the Maori Interpreters' Examination, First Grade, as being the equivalent of the two optional subjects for the Public Service Senior Examination, and this is encouraging Maoris in the Service to study for the examination. 109. Since the death of Mr. Kingi R. Tahiwi ; 0.8. E., Mr. Waipaina M. Te Awarau, M.A., LL.B., has been sole examiner, and in that capacity he has maintained the high standard that is required to qualify as a Licensed Interpreter of the First Grade.

15

a—9

. STAFF 110. As at 31st March, 1950, the personnel of the Department numbered 677 compared with 627 at this time in 1949. This total does not include the Chief Judge and the six Judges of the Maori Land Court who are not officers of the Department. Details are as follows, the corresponding figure for 1949 being shown in parenthesis : Clerical Staff — Permanent .. .. 443 (409) Temporary .. .. 18 (24) ;• - 461 (433) Field StaffPermanent .. .. 163 (138) Temporary .. .. 53 (56) 216 (194) 677 (627) 111. The increase was made necessary by expansion of activity, particularly in the Land Settlement and Building Divisions. This has meant an increase m field staff in District Field Supervisors and District Building Supervisors, and the appointment of technical men on the building side such as Maintenance Inspectors. The clerical side, although the increase is not proportionately so great, also reflects the growth of work. Recruitment in some areas outside Wellington has been easier and a number of vacancies were filled, but it is still difficult to obtain experienced clerical staff. 112. As at 31st March, 1950, there were 196 Maori officers on the staff of the Department —i.e., approximately 28*7 per cent, of the staff. 113. To help in the work of consolidating titles of Maori land, two full-time Commissioners of the Maori Land Court were appointed during the year. These Commissioners are — . . Mr. N. W. Smith, formerly Deputy Maori Trustee, and now Commissioner at Rotorua ; and Mr. M. Y. Bell, formerly Deputy Registrar, and now Commissioner at Auckland. 114. Mr. J. H. Watson retired from the position of Deputy Registrar, Gisborne, on 28th February, 1950. FINANCES The following table summarizes the financial transactions of the Department during the year : 1

16

1 Total Payments. | Total Receipts. Consolidated Fund— Civil List (Maori Purposes) Special Acts : Payments in respect of confiscated lands (Arawa, Ngaitahu, Taranaki, and WaikatoManiapoto) Vote " Maori Affairs " Recoveries from Maori Trustee, Maori Land Boards, and miscellaneous receipts Court fees £ 6,279 27,000 461,162 £ 28,718 8,297 Sub-totals Land Settlement Account: Maori Land settlement, housing, and rehabilitation loans 494,441 2,053,643 37,015 1,415,486 Total, State funds Maori Trust and Maori Land Boards 2,548,084 1,235,101 1,452,501 1,254,187

G—9

Brief Analysis of Consolidated Fund Payments, Less Receipts General departmental administration, salaries, travelling-expenses, £ purchase of equipment, &c. .. .. .. .. .. 372,400 Less — £ Recoveries from Maori Trustee and Maori Land Boards .. 20,413 Miscellaneous recoveries .. .. .. .. 8,305 Court fees .. .. .. .. .. 8,297 37,015 Net cost of administration .. .. .. .. 335,385 Protection of Maori land .. .. .. .. 26,226 Grants for Maori purposes . . .. .. .. .. .. 62,536 424,147 Civil List .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 6,279 Special Acts .. .. .. .. .. .. 27,000 £457,426 UNEMPLOYMENT, EMPLOYMENT PROMOTION, AND DEVELOPMENT SUBSIDIES Particulars of subsidies granted to unit settlers and development schemes for the period Ist April, 1933, to 31st March, 1949, were published in the G-9 report for the year ended 31st March, 1949 (pages 21-22). The following subsidies for the same period were omitted therefrom and are irrecoverable. It is now proposed to eliminate them from the Department's books of account: — A. Subsidies Granted to Unit Settlers £ s. d. Tokerau District units .. .. .. .. .. 643 4 0 Waikato-Maniapoto District units .. .. .. .. 721 8 5 Tairawhiti District units .. .. .. .. .. 309 9 8 £1,674 2 1 B. Development Schemes Waiariki District — £ s. d. £ s. d. Orete I scheme .. .. .. .. 434 18 3 Te Kaha scheme .. .. .. .. 554 17 4 Omaio scheme .. .. .. .. 418 5 3 Whakatohea scheme .. .. .. 344 8 2 Torere scheme .. .. .. .. 199 6 6 Whangaparao scheme .. .. .. 30 9 0 Bulk Purchases Account .. .. 149 7 0 Whakatane scheme .. . . .. 3 16 0 2,135 7 6 Tairawhiti District — Mohaka scheme .. .. . . .. 97 610 Waiapu scheme . . .. 110 ,13 6 — 208 0 4 £2,343 7 10

2—G 9

17

G—9

TABLE 1—STATISTICAL DATA ON STATE DEVELOPMENT SCHEME

18

Particulars. Tokerau. WaikatoManiapoto. Waiariki. Tairawhiti. Aotea. Ikaroa. South Island. Total. 1. Area (acres) 126,070 67,005 236,039 93,098 118,325 13,181 3,519 657,237 2. Not suitable for development (acres) 22,614 12,105 100,357 32,234 5,048 954 550 173,862 3. Under cultivation (acres) 2,631 1,082 2,521 750 1,545 367 110 9,006 4. Permanent grass (acres) 69,624 36,995 88,514 47,348 28,818 5,749 1,760 278,808 5. Awaiting and being developed (acres) 31,201 16,823 44,647 12,766 82,914 6,111 1,099 195,561 6. Number of settlers 840 247 364 195 93 38 4 1,781 7. Number of workers — (a) Permanent 14 29 75 35 22 6 8 189 (6) Casual 43 34 135 24 46 9 3 294 8. Dwellings 572 214 496 231 127 63 12 1,715 9. Wool-sheds 8 20 24 12 11 4 4 83 10. Cow-sheds 718 189 378 158 89 40 9 1,581 11. Live-stock : (stock carried as at 31st March, 1950) — (a) Dairy cows (January figures) (number) 16,664 5,875 9,331 3,324 2,572 1,091 87 38,944 (b) Other dairy stock (number) 10,041 2,730 6,324 3,076 1,584 803 57 24,615 (c) Run cattle (number) 4,314 4,349 14,888 5,932 3,738 703 346 34,270 (>d) Sheep : Breeding-ewes (number) 9,004 33,931 73,127 41,359 21,099 9,037 4,467 192,024 (e) Sheep : Other (number) 7,150 15,507 57,676 22,564 16,066 4,344 1,727 125,034 12. Produce for year- — (a) Butterfat (lb.) 2,412,031 1,017,877 1,621,592 554,083 478,401 193,810 13,264 6,291,058 (6) Wool (bales) 358 1,091 2,821 1,378 792 289 103 6,832 13. Net liability to date (£) .. 477,927 358,401 912,488 442,168 402,894 94,018 44,733 2,732,629 14. Subsidies granted during year (£) 933 4,510 517 5,960

G—9

Note ke Butterfat.—On those dairying stations which have not yet been individualized, the full amount received for butterfat is retained, the workers being paid wages. On settled schemes the policy is to accept an assignment of a percentage of the farmers' monthly cream cheque (in repayment of advances and interest due thereon), leaving the balance for farm maintenance and personal living-expenses. Butterfat receipts shown above relate to amounts received by the Department, and do not include the settlers' proportion.

TABLE 2—ANALYSIS OF FARMING RECEIPTS FOR THE YEAR 1949-50

19

— Butterfat. Wool. Live-stock. Sundries. Totals. Approximate Cash Receipts (Loan Account Assignment and Settlers Proportions). 1. Districts — £ £ £ £ 1 £ I £ Tokerau 96,468 19,564 44,124 12,175 172,331 301,579 Waikato-Maniapoto 41,687 43,325 66,178 10,228 161,418 213,718 Waiariki 77,942 104,199 267,094 20,309 469,544 580,000 Tairawhiti 29,574 41,201 63,988 18,294 153,057 186,035 Aotea 26,786 16,509 49,491 9,420 102,206 130,857 Ikaroa .. .. 10,631 8,886 20,117 4,675 44,309 55,769 South Island 500 3,949 12,792 755 17,996 19,214 Sub-totals 283,588 237,633 523,784 75,856 1,120,861 ! 1,487,172 2. Maori Land Boards 280 39,197 33,784 1,087 74,348 74,348 3. Maori Trustee 50,754 70,760 1,507 123,021 j 123,021 Totals 283,868 327,584 628,328 78,450 1,318,230 I 1,684,541 -

a— 9

TABLE 3—BUILDINGS ERECTED, RENOVATED, AND PURCHASED: MAORI HOUSING, LAND DEVELOPMENT, AND REHABILITATION

20

Works Completed. Works in Progress at 31st March, 1950. Houses Purchased to Date. During Year. Total to Date. Erection. House Renovations. Houses. Other Building-works. Houses. Other Building-works. Houses. Other . Building-works. Tokerau 76 69 835 958 42 14 14 26 Waikato-Maniapoto 56 52 415 402 27 5 13 41 Waiariki 99 17 326 95 64 1 2 7 Tairawhiti 25 21 474 125 41 12 12 31 Aotea 57 21 442 41 11 10 71 Ikaroa 55 21 143 257 25 10 74 South Island 30 15 87 78 8 20 Totals 398 216 2,722 1,956 218 32 61 270

a—9

TABLE 4a—REHABILITATION OF MAORI EX-SERVICEMEN: RETURN OF LOAN AUTHORIZATIONS TO 31st MARCH, 1950

21

Overseas. Home Service. Totals. During 1949-50. To Date. During 1949-50. To Date. 1 During 1949-50. To Date. Number. Amount Authorized. Number. Amount Authorized. Number. Amount | Authorized. Number. Amount Authorized. Number. Amount Authorized. Number. | i Amount Authorized. Settlement on small farms Settlement on farms .. Purchase of houses Erection of houses Repairs and additions to houses Purchase of tools of trade Purchase of furniture . . Business Miscellaneous 1 6 3 79 2 104 17 3 £ 2,000 31,647 3,700 115,642 375 9,780 6,323 1,600 1 50 31 385 17 31 460 73 11 £ 2,000 148,583 26,571 439,375 7,042 1,281 42,539 31,244 3,613 1 3 1 £ 10 300 75 5 3 13 4 2 £ 5 j 688 55 1,242 169 1,700 | 1 6 3 79 2 1 107 18 3 £ 2,000 31,647 3,700 115,642 375 10 10,080 6,398 1,600 1 50* 31 390 17 34 473 77 13 £ 2,000 148,583 26,571 445,063 7,042 1,336 43,781 31,413 5,313 Totals 215 171,067 1,059 702,248 5 385 27 8,854 220 171,452 1,086 711,102 Supplementary loans .. Purchase of properties.. Additional expenditure on properties purchased 18 2 3,042 26,496 176,745 39 11 7,577 129,421 376,345 1 150 18 2 3,042 26,496 176,745 40 11 7,727 129,421 376,345 * In addition, 38 Maori ex-servicemen have been settled through the agency of the State Advances Corporation, while a further 100 are occupying land under the provisions of Part I of the Maori Land Amendment Act, 1936.

a— 9

TABLE 4b—REHABILITATION OF MAORI EX-SERVICEMEN: SUMMARY OF PROGRESS IN LAND SETTLEMENT TO 31st MARCH, 1950

22

. — Tokerau. WaikatoManiapoto. Waiariki. Tairawhiti. Aotea. Ikaroa. Total. Number of Maori ex-servicemen who have been settled on 19 6 5 11 3 2 46 farms and whose charges have been fixed Total grassed area on these farms (acres) 2,135 883 471 2,841 139 600 7,069 Live-stock carried — Dairy cows .. .. r.. 702 221 245 262 78 1,508 Other cattle 455 100 74 139 52 *43 863 Breeding-ewes .. .. 360 50 1,326 18 841 2,595 Other sheep 57 2 331 1 785 1,176 Produce for year — Butterfat (lb.) 132,211 33,524 50,848 46,417 12,698 275,698 Wool (bales) 10 25 1 "34 70 Hops (lb.) 9,000 9,000 Number of Maori ex-servicemen occupying land under the 26 4 48 15 3 4 100 provisions of Part I of the Maori Land Amendment Act, 1936

G—9

TABLE 5—RETURN OF ALIENATIONS CONFIRMED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1950

23

Leases. I ases. Renewals. Timber-cutting Sal ies. Mortsacrps. Court District. To Europeans. To Maoris. To Europeans. To Maoris. Rights. To Europeans. To Maoris. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. Area. No. 1 Area. Tokerau 2 138 4 328 1 338 7 459 I 4 20 Waikato-Maniapoto 25 1,712 4 329 1 627 28 1,785 9 250 Waiariki 24 4,847 10 1,145 " 4 4 33,066 6 3 3 116 Tairawhiti 44 7,473 27 6,631 13 2,129 9 1,276 5 2 15 166 2 23 Aotea 101 10,261 37 3,855 1 4 5,400 10 190 20 267 2 69 Ikaroa 86 5,102 11 462 167 1 726 34 336 9 1 138 2 1 South Island 5 1,524 5 1,031 1 7 2 833 4 60 3 4 Totals .. i 287 31,057 98 13,781 19 2,301 10 1,283 13 40,990 94 2,835 63 961 6 93

o—9

24

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (1,639 copies), £7B.

TABLE 6—RETURN OF MAORI LAND COURT BUSINESS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1950

By Authority: R. E. Owen, Government Printer, Wellington.— 1950.

Price 9d .]

Totals. Tokerau. WaikatoManiapoto. Waiariki. Tairawhiti. Aotea. 1 Ikaroa. South Island. 1948-49. 1949-50. Maori Land Court Number of sittings 118 131 21 17 21 30 15 16 11 Number of applications received . . 12,426 16,876 1,796 2,412 3,613 4,543 1,882 2,129 501 Number of partition orders made 1,118 1,369 357 40 236 418 213 88 17 Number of investigations of title .. 1 3 2 1 Number of succession orders made 6,497 6,998 683 509 1,292 2,293 1,354 559 308 Number of exchange orders made. . 897 354 219 22 22 81 6 3 1 Number of rating orders made 299 1,254 828 44 • 382 Number of vesting orders made . . 513 564 290 14 iis 87 26 23 6 Number of other orders made 2,662 1,865 222 133 641 395 200 244 30 Maori Appellate Court Number of sittings 4 3 3 Number of cases notified 8 12 12 Maori Land Court decisions varied Maori Land Court decisions affirmed 1 3 3 Maori Land Court decisions referred 1 6 6 back to Maori Land Court Maori Land Court decisions annulled 1 2 2 Appeals dismissed or withdrawn .. 4 4 Appeals adjourned sine die 1 £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ Court and Board fees collected 7,757 8,399 1,185 1,118 1,550 1,490 1,634 1,092 230