D.—No. 8.

Mrs. Rhoda Bedda Hamlin, one of the petitioners, was duly requested to prefer her claim, but she has not done so, probably from the fact that she had already urged a claim under the authority cf my commission. With regard to the other petitioners referred to in the Schedule, I beg to state that, with some fewexceptions (vide Return annexed), their claims have also been considered under the same authority. I have, Ac, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Thomas Beckham, Commissioner.

No. 3. Mr. Commissioner Beckham to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. Compensation Court, Graham's Buildings, Sic, — Auckland, 17th June, 1865. Adverting to your communications of the dates specified in the margin, with reference to my inquiring into certain claims for losses by the Native rebellion, since the 11th July, 1863, under the NewZealand Settlements Act, within the Province of Auckland; and with respect to certain other losses occasioned by rebel Natives to persons wrecked in the steamer " Lord Worsley " on the coast of Taranaki dn 1863, I have the honor to report that I have investigated three hundred and seventy-two European and forty Native claims, the former amounting to £136,370 2s. lOd. (vide Appendix A.), and the latter to* £7,454 10s. 6d. (vide Appendix B.) European Claims. —After a careful consideration of the evidence adduced, I find that the European claimants have suffered to the extent of £71,002 16s. 2d., and the Natives to £2,432 19s. 6d. The losses which I have deemed it right to recommend for compensation have been: — Firstly. —For the non-occupation of houses and enclosed lands under cultivation. Secondly. —Eor the destruction of crops, cattle, or other property, deducting a uniform percentage from the claimants' own estimate of the value of personal effects. From the facts laid before mo, I find that during the latter part of the year 1563, the markets were much depreciated in consequence of the great number of cattle which were forced into them by the settlers who were driven from their homesteads by the rebel Natives. I have therefore allowed— Thirdly. —A percentage upon all compulsory sales to the end of that year. In several instances I have been unable to admit the claims preferred, from want of evidence and impropriety of the demands (see annexed Return.) Native Claims. —The claims made by Natives have been somewhat more difficult to determine. In some cases the property for which compensation has been claimed, was left in the hands of Natives who afterwards took part in the rebellion, and as the evidence failed to show that the goods were not taken by those individuals, and no proof having been given that the property was destroyed by the troops, I did not feel justified in admitting them. " Lord Worsley " Claims. —There are thirteen claims in connexion with the wreck of the " Lord Worsley," steamer, amounting to £2,419 4s. 4d., which I have considered, and have awarded sums amounting to £1,837 6s. 10|d. (vide Appendix C.) In dealing with the majority of these claims, which are for losses of personal property, I have applied the same rule as that observed with regard to settlers in this Province —deducting a percentage from the claimants' estimate —and this, I believe, will accord to them the real value of the property at the time it was lost or destroyed. I forward a return, showing the amount to which each claimant is entitled. I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Thomas Beckham, Commissioner.

22nd Feby., No. 99. 1st March. 20th April, No. 309, 1865.

No. 4. Mr. Commissioner Beckham to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. Compensation Court, Graham's Buildings, Sik, — Auckland, 17th June, 1865. With reference to your letter of the 25th May, 1565 (No. 413), enclosing copy of a Petition from " Mr. W. Chitham, and other Settlers in the Waikato District, claiming compensation for losses sustained by them during the Taranaki War, in 1860-1," I have the honor to inform you, that on the receipt of that document I gave notice to the parties interested, and those named in the margin appeared before me. Their claims amounted to £968 25., and after a careful consideration of their statements, I find that they are entitled to the sums specified opposite their respective names in the annexed return, amounting to 1173 10s. (Vide Appendix D.) The other claimants mentioned have preferred claims under the authority of my commission, with the exception of Dr. Hooper, who has paid no attention to repeated summonses. I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Thomas Beckham, Commissioner.

R. W. Dickson. D.H. Heather W. Chitham. J. K. Cowell. J. C. Johnstone. John Morgan. John Edwards W. Hamilton. Dr. Hooper.

No. 5. Mr. Commissioner Beckham to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey. Compensation Court, Graham's Buildings, Sib, — Auckland, 3rd July, 18G5. . Since the transmission of my reports relative to the various claims for compensation for losses occasioned by the rebel Natives, I have the honor to transmit a claim connected with the wreck of the " Lord Worsley" (vide Appendix E.), and one by a settler who suffered during the Taranaki War, in 1860 and 1861 (vide Appendix F.) I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. TnoMAS Beckham, Commissioner.

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REPORTS ON CLAIMS FOR LOSSES BY NATIVE REBELLION.