G.—l

XXXII

Saving as to the lands of aboriginal native tribes. 73. It shall not be lawful for any person other than Her Majesty, her heirs or successors, to purchase or in anywise acquire or accept from the aboriginal natives land of or belonging to or used or occupied by them in common as tribes or communities, or to accept any release or extinguishment of_the rights of such aboriginal natives in any such land as aforesaid ; and no conveyance, transfer, or agreement for the conveyance or transfer of any such land, either in perpetuity or for any term or period either absolutely or conditionally, and either in property or by way of lease or occupancy, and no such lease or extinguishment as aforesaid shall be of any validity or effect unless the same be made to or entered into with and accepted by Her Majesty, her heirs or successors :. Provided always that it shall be lawful for Her Majesty, her heirs and successors, by instructions under the Signet and Royal Sign-manual, or signified through one of Her Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State, to delegate her powers of accepting such conveyances or agreements, releases or relinquishments, to the Governor of New Zealand or the superintendent of any province within the limits of such province, and to prescribe or regulate the terms on which such conveyances or agreements, releases or extinguishments, shall be accepted.