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1909. NEW ZEALAND.

NATIVE LANDS AND NATIVE-LAND TENURE: COMMISSION UNDER THE HAND OF HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR; AND INTERIM REPORT OF NATIVE LAND COMMISSION, ON NATIVE LANDS IN THE COUNTY Of WAIROA.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

COMMISSION TO INQUIRE INTO THE QUESTION OF NATIVE LANDS AND NATIVE-LAND TENURE. Plunket, Governor. To all to whom these presents shall come, and to Sir Robert Stout, Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, Chief Justice of the Dominion of New Zealand ; and to Jackson Palmer, Esquire, Chief Judge of the Native Land Court : Greeting. Whebeas there are large areas of Native lands of which some are unoccupied and others partially and unprofitably occupied : And whereas it would be for the benefit of the Natives themselves and to the advantage of European settlement if prompt and effective provision were made whereby such lands should be profitably occupied, cultivated, and improved: And whereas for the purpose of inquiring and reporting as to the best methods to be adopted in the certain Commissioners were appointed by the Governor in Council on the twentyfirst day of January, one thousand nine hundred and seven : And whereas the said Commissioners have made several reports in the premises, but have not finally completed their inquiries : And whereas by virtue of section fifty-two of " The Native Land Settlement Act, 1907," the powers and functions of the said Commissioners ceased on the first day of January, one thousand nine hundred and nine : And whereas it is expedient that provision should be made to complete such inquiries : And whereas it is also expedient that provision should be made for the consolidation of the various Acts relating to Native land and Native affairs : Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred on me by " The Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1908," and of all other powers and authorities enabling me in that behalf, I, William Lee, Baron Plunket, the Governor of the Dominion of New Zealand, acting by and with the advice and consent of the Executive Council of the said Dominion, do hereby appoint you, the said Sir Eobeet Stout and Jackson Palmek, to be a Commission to inquire and report as to the following matters: —