G.—lit.

Europeans. We may remark here that a portion of the original Kapuarangi East Block, amounting to 10,000 acres, was sold to the Crown some years ago, as also portions of Pukemauri. The investigation of the title of Awanuiilaparapara Block disposes of any difficulties the Whanau-a-Apanui may have had in denning the northern boundary of their tribal land. They will have no disputes with other tribes as to the remaining papatupu area. In fact, the subtribal boundaries are well denned, and have been agreed to among the hapus interested. The Court's functions will be limited to the ascertainment of the owners and the definition of relative interests. It is probable that one-half of this papatupu area when investigated will be available for European settlement. Whanau-a-te-Ehutu and Whanau-a-Pararaki. These tribes are closely connected, and in regard to their land-holdings quite inextricably mixed. Very little of their lands have passed the Native Land Court. The following is a list of such lands : Portions of Awanui-Hapa-rapara, M&raehako, Tawaroa, Orete, Whangaparaoa No. 1. Maraehako, Tawaroa, Whangaparaoa No. 1, and small portions of Orete have been leased. The greater part of Orete is under Maori occupation, and is used for agricultural and pastoral purposes. The Whanau-a-Pararaki also own Whangaparaoa No. 2 Block of 34,413 acres. One-half of this has been leased, mostly to Maoris, and the leases have been approved by the Waiariki Maori Land Board. This block, however, is in Waiapu County. The Maoris of Te Kaha and Orete are among the most industrious in the Dominion. Every acre of agricultural land in the neighbourhood of Te Kaha has been for years under close cultivation, and has produced great quantities of maize, and this notwithstanding that the land is papatupu. The kaingas are well kept, the houses are substantial and give evidence of an energetic and progressive community. The farming has not followed on scientific lines, and the soil has become exhausted. This, and the necessity of providing for the large extent of pastoral land back from the coast, have during the last three years compelled the Maoris to direct more attention to grazing and to clearing and grassing their bush and scrub lands. Seven small sheep-flocks have been started. Much land has been cleared, sown in grass, and fenced. The energy which has made them a successful agricultural community is being diverted to stock-raising. The outlook for them is very hopeful. They have no doubt benefited by the example of their neighbours in the W T aiapu County. They are imbued with a like spirit, and receive the advice and assistance of the experienced sheep-farming Ngatiporou. The area of papatupu land claimed by these two tribes is estimated at 90,000 acres. The tribal and hapu boundaries are well defined and substantially agreed to. General Remarks. Summarised, the position of Native lands in Opotiki County (as far as we have been able to ascertain) is as follows : — A. B. P. Leased or under negotiation for lease ... ... ... 85,312 320 To be reserved for Maori occupation ... ... ... 29,686 3 0 To be incorporated for lease ... ... ... ... 6,733 0 0 To be leased to the general public ... ... ... ... 8,987 216 Vested in the East Coast Trust Lands Commissioner ... ... 12,949 0 0 Not dealt with : (a.) Where title ascertained (estimated) ... ... 12,038 0 0 (b.) Papatupu (approximate) ... ... ... ... 140,000 0 0 Total ... ... ... ... ... 296,307 0 36 The area of lands for which there is title is 156,307 acres. The Maori population of Opotiki County at the last census was 1,319. Exclusive, therefore, of papatupu land, the area per head owned by the Maoris is nearly 118 acres. Deducting the area under lease or negotiation for lease, and the area available for settlement, there is left for Maori occupation an average of 23 acres

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