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the persons occupying the reserves. The Government have appointed a Commission to inquire whether the reserves can be sold. We, the owners of the land, earnestly state that we will not sanction the sale, but are willing to consider what else can be done to improve matters for the benefit of both Maori and pakeha. We therefore propose that the original leases should be renewed for sixty-three years, and when that term is ended a further renewal of sixty-three years be granted. It is provided by subsection (2) of section 15 of the Act of 1882 that leases be issued for a period not exceeding sixty-three years, to encourage the erection of houses on the land : let this period be enlarged. A grant has been issued under the Act of 1883 to prevent the sale of the land. We believe that the plan we suggest— i.e., the lengthening the terms of lease, is one that will best conserve the interests of all concerned. That is all from your friends, Ihaia Tainui, Kinehe te Kaoho, Hoani Tainui, Moroati Pakapaka, Inia Tuhuru, Henare Meihana. Teoti Tauwhare, [Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, not given; Printing (1,350 copies), £6 3s.]
Authority: Geoege Didsbuby, Government Printer, Wellington.—lBB6.