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ngoro, practically the whole of the land has been dealt with under the confiscation. Grievances exist of various kinds, some of which I shall specify shortly as under:— 1. The delay which has taken place generally in the settlement of these questions. 2. The want of method, and the absence in many cases of proper official evidence of the reserves made for Natives. In a good many instances, burial-grounds, eelweirs, and fishing-stations, which it is alleged were promised to be reserved, havo been allowed to pass into pakeha hands. 3. Although the reserves made have, as a rule, been notified in the Gazette, and thereby been kept safe from private purchase, yet, in many cases, the names of the persons beneficially interested in them have not been decided, and a few of the leading people have been able to lease the lands without the consent of the bulk of the hapu, involving in some cases the removal of the latter from their cultivations, and generating a large amount of well-founded discontent. 4. Tho non-issue of Crown grants for these lands so reserved, whether for tribal or individual interests. To Europeans who know the full value of a promise given on the faith of the Crown, such a circumstance might appear but of little moment; but to these Native people the fact that grants have not issued for these lands— especially when they are told by Europeans that the lands are still the property of the Crown, and the former owners or awardces only occupy them on sufferance— becomes of very great importance. From the foregoing it may be gathered that the circumstances of the Southern Confiscation Block, and of the block north of the Hangatahua River, are in many respects very similar, and might be dealt with by one general system. What is wanted in both cases is to determine finally the rights of the claimants, to locate their reserves, individualize their titles, aud issue their Crown grants. If this were done on the southern and northern blocks, it would leave only the country between the Waingongoro and Hangatahua to be dealt with; but there can be no doubt that the final removal of all bond fide causes of complaint outside the two boundaries just named would materially help a satisfactory solution of the question which has arisen between those two boundaries. In Cabinet I will be prepared to supply in detail many matters of information which could not be embodied in the present report; and I shall also at the same time be prepared to submit such recommendations as in my opinion are best fitted to meet the remaining difficulties which now exist. J. Sheehan. No. 2. The Hon. Mr. McLean to Major Brown. Sir,— Native Office, Wellington, 12th April, 1876. I have the honor to enclose for your information a copy of a memorandum by myself drawn up for the guidance of Mr. Parris, on the 20th January, 1872, in reference to the settlement of the confiscated lands on the West Coast. I desire to draw your attention to the paragraph which treats of the lauds north of the Waingongoro as far as Stoney River, in which Mr. Parris was authorized to compensate the Native owners for all lands they might relinquish at rates not exceeding ss. per acre. Since then the Government have become fully aware of the extravagant views held by the Natives as to the value of the lands alluded to, as well as to the fact that they have failed to recognize the reality of confiscation. These circumstances, in all probability, may render it very difficult, if not impossible, for you to conclude terms with the Natives within the limits of the sum above mentioned. You are therefore authorized, at your own discretion, to offer such annuities to chiefs or others interested in tho sale as may, in the aggregate, amount to 2s. 6d. per acre more than the ss. already mentioned. It must, however, be borne in mind that everything like extravagant concession in the matter of confiscated lands should be carefully avoided ; otherwise it may lead to dissatisfaction amongst the Waikato and Bay of Plenty Natives, as well as those of the West Coast who have lost lands south of the Waingongoro. Tho Government feel satisfied that you have the ability and discretion to deal with this difficult question, and authorize you to make arrangements with the Natives on the basis of these general instructions. As opportunities are frequently lost by delay in concluding negotiations with the Natives, the Government will leave you unfettered, and dispense with the necessity for referring every particular case for special authorization. In making payments to Natives it is much to be desired the disbursements should extend over a number of years. Should any case arise which has not been provided for by these instructions, you will be good enough to refer the matter to the Government for consideration and approval. The importance of acquiring these valuable plains for settlement is so manifest that I feel sure you will use every effort to do so. I have, &c, Major Brown, Civil Commissioner, Taranaki. Donald McLean.