WORKING OF THE NATIVE LAND ACTS.

47

A.~Bo. 2a.

certain forms of application for survey,.giving the Government security on the land for tho. cost, or guaranteeing payment by authorizing the sale by auction of portion of the land after a stated timo shall have elapsed, payment not having been made. The Government, by adopting some such plan, would control the cost of surveys; there would always be a surveyor in each district able to give all information respecting Native lands in that district; only one surveyor would be required to attend the sitting of the Court; and by the Native owner giving security to the Government for payment within a stated time, the first steps would be taken towards tho Native title being extinguished, through the Government becoming the purchaser at a much smaller cost than ia now possible. I believe myself that it is far better for the interest of the country that the Government should acquire Native lands and dispose of them at a reasonable price to settlers, than for large quantities of Native land to be locked up as they now are, some by speculators, others because the expenses incurred are so enormous that no one would pay them were the Crown grant handed to them in consideration. This is necessarily an imperfect sketch. It would take more time than I have just now at my disposal to go more definitely into the matter, but there may be some hints useful to you. If so, I shall not have written in vain.

I may add that I have spoken on the subject to many of those surveyors whose experience entitles them to an opinion—Messrs. A. C. Turner, H. Mitchell, Simpson, and others ; and they agree with me that some such scheme would be a benefit to all concerned.

I have, &c, Colonel T. M. Haultain, 'Wellington. E. C. Jordan.

Noteb of Conversation with Mr. Barstow, E.M.

Bay of Islands, 4th February, 1371. I have known instances of a licensed interpreter visiting Natives, and persuading them to allow their lands to be surveyed. An arrangement has been made by such interpreter with a surveyor, who pays a handsome bonus for the job. I cannot state whether interpreters have visited the Natives as agents for surveyors, or have sold the job after obtaining the Natives' assent thereto. The Natives aro sometimes informed that they will not have to pay for the surveys until the lands have been disposed of, and in this way are induced to bring their lands before the Court; but payment is demanded and pressed at an earlier period, and the owners are worried into parting with their land at a sacrifice to meet the liability. As an instance, Tamati Waka was visited by Charles De Thierry, who urged him to have a block of land called Te Puna, at Kerikeri surveyed, informing him that Patuone. his eldest brother, was anxious that it should be dono. Waka was unwilling that it should be done, and refused point blank more than once. . De Thierry, however, got the old man's mark to an application for a panui, though in all probability the lattor did not know what ho was signing. And when the receipt of this was acknowledged Do Thierry told him that it was an instruction from the Government to have the land quickly surveyed, and that the Chief Judge had written to order him to have the survey proceeded with. He accordingly sent men to point out the boundaries, which had been previously indicated when there was a proposal to purchase the flax on the land. I informed the surveyor that there would be difficulties in making this survey, because this was a closing block, and there was no doubt that some of the surrounding surveys were incorrect. The block was surveyed nevertheless, and about 16,000 acres were included, only 3,000 of which were not held by Crown grant, and these were surplus lands, from the old land claimants, to which Waka made claim, but the Government agent would not recognize his title; the other 13,000 acres comprised a large block of Mr. Shepherd's, and other lands which had previously been sold to the Government. The Court dismissed the case, but Waka was called on to pay over £300 for the survey. Ho has not yet paid it, but is liable, as he signed the order for it. This case shows that it would be well if the Eesidcnt Magistrate or other official had authority to prohibit surveys under certain special circumstances. Mangonui was compelled to sacrifice a block of land at Pungahairi, near Kerikeri, containing over 7,000 acres, for £300. He had applied to Mr. W. 11. Clarke to survey it, and paid him £90 during the progress of tho work; but Clarke had to wait twelve months for the balance, which was about £60. If Europeans wish to secure any particular block under the present system, their best plan is to get a surveyor to undertake the work, then induce him to press for payment, and they can get the land from the Native owner on almost any terms by advancing the money. Some Maoris are easily imposed upon by interested individuals, and the Government ought to interfere to give them further protection. Neither the surveyor nor tho interpreter are disinterested parties, and the latter may be fea'd by both sides.

Some of the licensed interpreters are not proper persons to be intrusted with such powers as they now possess. As they are official witnesses to agreements between the Natives and surveyors, they have a power and opportunities that should only be given to men of unquestioned integrity and reputation who ought not to desire any profit beyond the authorized fees, either limit their powers, or be more careful in the selection. A man may be an excellent interpreter, and yet not suited to act in a jwasi-ofßcial character.

Notes of Conversation with Dr. Grace.

The Native owners of Mataikona employed Mr. Carkeek, a surveyor, to get them a tenant for a block of land which they called 80,000 acres, but which proved to be only 18,000. Carkeek was to make the survey, and the tenant was to advance the money for it. He asked 9d. an acre for the survey, although sd. or Gd. is sufficient, if the country is not difficult. A Native named Karaitiana Te Whakarato was appointed by the others to act as their mouthpiece and agent in the matter, and Dr. Grace was 13