G.— 9.

The delay that has occurred in putting the affairs of the trust lands in such form as to admit of their being dealt with in a businesslike and efficient manner is regrettable. The present is an advantageous time for disposing of the properties either by sale or lease, and the delay, while it steadily adds to the liabilities with which the lands are already encumbered, in no way benefits any one of the parties who have any beneficial interest in the trust. We have, &c, J. Macfaelane, Chairman. J. A. Habding, ) , „, o I Members. W. Sheimpton, ) The Hon. the Minister for Native Affairs, Wellington.

Sib,— Wellington, 13th November, 1903. As an addendum to the above report I would like to add the following:— In addition to the amendments to the present Act suggested in the report, a further one which is absolutely necessary for the more expeditious carrying out of the business of the Board is an amendment to section 11 by adding the words " majority of " before the word " trustees " where it first occurs in such section. Since the report was written an agreement has been entered into between the trustees and the Board, whereby the trustees undertake to transfer the Mangapoike and Tahora Blocks on such terms as to sale, mortgage, and leasing as, when carried 'out, will go far towards improving the finances of the Board and facilitating the payment of debts due by the trustees on the part of the trust estate. In accordance with this agreement the caveats lodged by Mr. Bees, referred to in the above report, have been withdrawn. I have, &c, J. Macfablane, Chairman. The Hon. the Minister for Native Affairs, Wellington.Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given; printing (1,200 copies), £1 15s.

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