G.-6g

2

5. Mr. Morison, on behalf of the petitioners, then undertook to supply the Court with a complete search of the different interests affected, and to suggest a scheme of adjustment that would enable justice to be done to the petitioners. Unfortunately, owing to the magnitude of the investigation required and to a shortage of funds on the part of the petitioners, the complete search and the suggested scheme did not materialize until the 26th March, 1924, too late to be dealt with by J--dge Acheson before he left the Aotea District. 6. The Court meantime had had a fairly complete search made of the titles in the Raetihi No. 2 subdivisions, and had ascertained that it will be possible for the Court to so amend, various Raetihi orders as to provide substantial relief to the petitioners. In the Urewera Block there were fewer partitions, and the position was found to be much simpler. In the Waimarino blocks, owing to the large number of partitions and the numerous sales, the position was found to be exceedingly complicated and difficult of adjustment, but even here it should be possible for the Court to make certain adjustments without inflicting undue hardship on any other parties affected. 7. The Court recognizes that an injustice has been done to the petitioners through Rora Kupa having been left out of the Waimarino, Urewera, and Raetihi blocks, and the Court is satisfied that it could make adjustments in the orders such as would secure a substantial measure of justice, to the petitioners without unduly prejudicing other, parties and without adversely affecting bona fide alienations already completed. 8. Any such adjustments should, only bo made by the Court, however, after a further hearing in open Court, with all parties sufficiently represented. At the hearing on the 15th May, 1923, the full facts were not available, nor were all the parties adversely affected by petitioners' claims sufficiently represented. Recommendation. —The Court accordingly begs to recommend that legislation be introduced this coming session of Parliament authorizing and directing the Native Land Court to hold an inquiry into the claims of petitioners, and to make such variations of existing orders in the Waimarino, Urewera, and Raetihi blocks in favour of Rora Kupa's children as are practicable at this late stage, having regard to the fact that no variations should be allowed to adversely affect existing alienations except as to the disposal of future rents or of undistributed purchase-moneys. For and on behalf of the Court, this 2.lst day of July, 1924. P. 0. V. Acheson, Judge. The Chief Judge, Native Land Court, Wellington.

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