G.—s

18

the land was never technically made a reserve ; but is at this moment confiscated land, and, as such,, Crown land open to be dealt with under the provisions of " The West Coast Settlement (North Island) Act, 1880," and " The West Coast Settlement Eeserves Act, 1881." From replies in writing to enquiries made by him from the late Major Heaphy, V.C.; Captain Wray, Commissioner of Crown Lands, Patea; Mr. A. Mackay, Commissioner of Native Eeserves; and Mr. Under-Secretary Lewis, it seems perfectly certain that no legal validity was ever given to Sir D. McLean's intentions, but that the supposed status of the reserves rests on a mere instruction given by him to Major Heaphy, the transaction never having been authorized by the Governor, in or out of Council, nor even so much as gazetted. Respect for the action of Sir D. McLean, as Native Minister, might suggest that his intention should not be interfered with now. But it is certain that no intention was ever declared beyond apparently a desire to augment the administrative funds of the Native Eeserve Department, of which the natives themselves receive no direct benefit whatever. The whole of the rents, it appears from Major Heaphy's statement, are paid into the Native Eeserves General Purposes Account, and expended in payment of the salaries of the Commissioner and his clerk; maintenance of native hostelry; and such objects, under direction of the Native Minister. If, under the above circumstances, it should be considered that His Excellency has not power to change the destination of the reserve (which,, however, it seems to the Commissioner he has), it could undoubtedly be done by a clause of any Special Powers and Contracts Act of the General Assembly. The Commissioner, therefore, respectfully recommends that it should be done by one method or the other, and the land granted to Taurua and his hapu. The section has not been included by him in the other grants now recommended, and does not necessitate their postponement; but a plan is forwarded herewith, The Commissioner found a reserve of 1000 acres, adjoining that of Taurua, had been promised by Sir D. McLean for Eomene and his hapu, of which they were practically in possession. On going into the question it was found necessary to award one-half of this to another hapu, of which Ngapaki was the principal chief; and this was arranged with the unreserved approval of both the chiefs and all the people, and separate grants have been recommended accordingly. But Komene, whose share was thus reduced to very much less than he had expected, pressed for an extension; and, as he liberally proposed that, if made, it should be in favor of a section of the tribe possessing a rather peculiar claim which it is believed, will meet with general recognition by the Colony, the Commissioner has recommended a special grant in favor of Miriama Hinekorangi and a small subsection of the tribe of which she is the representative. The special circumstances are these:—Charles Broughton, a settler at Wanganui, was employed during the war of 1865-66 as an interpreter to the Government and the Imperial Forces—a service in which he exhibited great zeal, repeatedly risking his life, and finally losing it in a very lamentable manner when on public duty. Two instances in particular would seem to be sufficient justification of liberality in a case with which he had a direct relationship, as will be presently explained. The first of these instances was his courageous conduct when he rescued the head of Captain Lloyd, an officer of the 57th Eegiment, who, it will be remembered, was killed and decapitated by an ambuscade of rebels at Tataraimaka, near New Plymouth, in 1864, and his head carried round the country by Te Ua and the Hauhaus for purposes of witchcraft in the course of the orgies, incantations, and spiritual exercises, by which they excited the fanatical ardour of the rebels,, and made fresh adherents to their cause. The particulars of Mr. Broughton's successful action in the recovery of Captain Lloyd's head are given at length in the Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1864 : 8.-8, pp. 1, 2. The other instance was the occasion of the sacrifice of his life when, as bearer of a Proclamation, issued by the Governor, inviting the rebels to peace, he allowed himself, by the treacherous persuation of a native, in whom he was justified in reposing confidence, toenter the fortified pa, when he was deliberately and cruelly murdered in cold blood. Mr. Broughton had been associated with the native Pakakohi woman above mentioned, and at his death left two sons by her, one of whom, Hori Porotene (George Broughton), as he is known among the tribe, is a young man of considerable intelligence and influence among them ; and it is at the earnest request, and with the full concurrence of the tribe, that the Commissioner makes the recommendation that 301 acres adjoining Komene's reserve, and. practically a part of it, should be granted to Miriama and her children and relatives. The other reserves for this tribe at Mokoia, Taumaha, and Otoia, west of the Patea Eiver, have been surveyed and subdivided, and the recommendations and material for their preparation will be forwarded in a few days. There is nothing special to report upon in connection with any of them. Those now recommended are as follow:— At Otautu — a. e. p. To Taurua and his people 2170 0 0 Beyond Otautu — To Taurua and his heirs 1062 0 0 E-iikatere Pa and Cultivations — To Taurua and his people... ... ... ... ... ... 18 2 0 At Little Taranaki — Komene and his people ... ... ... ... ... ... 501 0 0 Ngapaki and his people ... ... ... ... ... ... 505 0 0 Miriama Hinekorangi and her people ... ... ... ... 801 0 0 William Fox, West Coast Commission Office, West Coast Commissioner. New Plymouth, 25th February, 1882.