1.—15.

1877. NEW ZEALAND.

WAITOA LAND TRANSACTIONS COMMITTEE, (REPORT OF, TOGETHER WITH MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS AND EVIDENCE.)

Brought up and ordered 1o he printed, 27th November, 1877.

ORDERS OF REFERENCE. t

Extracts from the Journals of the Souse of Representatives. Thursday, the 20tii day of September, 1877. Ordered, That a Committee be appointed to inquire into certain land transactions in connection with the purchase of the Puninga Blocks 1, 2, 3, and 4, and other lands in the Waitoa District, by Mr. F. Whitaker, jun., and by Mr. James Mackay, Government Land Purchase Commissioner, in the purchase or other negotiation in connection with these or other lands in the Waitoa District; and also any proposed exchanges between Government and Mr. Whitaker, sen , and any alleged sales to one Fraser; and also to inquire into and report upon the claims of Mr. F. Whitaker to compensation for breach of an agreement made between him and the Government on the 22nd September, 1874, in reference to the land referred to. Such Committee to consist of Mr. Ballance, Sir George Grey, Hon. Mr. Reynolds, Hon. Mr. Stafford, Mr. Wakefield, and the Mover ; three to be a quorum ; and to report within one month. — (Mr. Murray.) Tuesday, the 25th day of September, 1877. Ordered, That the names of Mr. Swanson and Mr. Stevens be added to the Waitoa Land Transactions Inquiry Committee. — (Mr. Murray.) Thursday, the 18th day of October, 1877. Ordered, That the time for bringing up the report of the Waitoa Land Transactions Inquiry Committee be extended for fourteen days.— (Mr. Murray.) Friday, the 2nd day of November, 1877. Ordered, That the time for bringing up the report of the Waitoa Land Transactions Inquiry Committee be extended for fourteen days.— (Mr. Murray.) Thursday, the 22nd day of November, 1877. Ordered, That the time for bringing up the report of the Waitoa Land Transactions Committee be extended until to-morrow. — (Mr. Murray.)

EEPORT. The Select Committee appointed to inquire into certain land transactions in connection with the purchase of the Puninga Blocks 1, 2, 3, and 4, and other lands in the Waitoa District, by Mr. Whitaker and by Mr. James Mackay, and also any proposed exchanges between Government and Mr, Whitaker; and, further, to inquire into and report upon the claim of Mr. Whitaker to compensation for breach of an agreement made between him and the Government on the 22nd September, 1874, in reference to the laud referred to, have the honor to report, — That the exchange of the lands at Puninga, proposed to be given to Mr. Whitaker for bis claims to the land mentioned in his evidence under the head " Piako Purchases,"' appears to have been a judicious transaction on the part of the Government, and should be completed without loss of time. That, in consequence of the failure of the Government to complete their undertaking to provide a good title to the lands proposed to be given to Mr. Whitaker by way of exchange, Mr. Whitaker has been subjected to loss; and that the Government should take immediate steps to ascertain and settle such loss. Tour Committee have not had the means of examining the Natives interested, but have taken all available evidence, copy of which, together with the minutes of their proceedings, is attached, and they recommend that the same be printed. W. A. Mtjbeat, 27th November, 1877. Chairman. I—l. 15.