I.—sa

2

7. That your petitioners are aware that by securing for the Native owner the improvements over £5 per acre, the industrious settler is debarred from improving his holding, settlement is obstructed, and the Liberal programme is set aside, 8. That your petitioners are satisfied that a complication of tenures is unnecessary, and consider the Land Board is the only proper body to administer this estate under " The Land Act, 1892." 9. That your petitioners consider that by working " The Advances to Settlers Act, 1894," in conjunction with "The West Coast Settlement Reserves Act, 1892," the Government can acquire the whole of the Native title to these lands, and can, without expense or cost, bring them under the land-laws of the colony. 10. That these lands being acquired, the amounts paid can be funded in the name of the Native owner, who will then have a legitimate income or cash to work his reserves, and the expensive paraphernalia of the Trust Office will be obviated for his benefit. Your petitioners, therefore, humbly pray your Honourable House to cause such legislation as shall place these lands under the common laws of the colony, and will thereby remove the disadvantages under which they labour. And your petitioners will ever pray, &c. James J. Elwin (and 272 others).