G.—()B

Oruatewehi Reserve. The petitioners claim that these areas comprised two bushes which were to be set aside from the sale. Although there is no documentary evidence to support this, lam inclined to think that the two areas comprised two of the bushes alluded to by Captain Mair (page 67). A significant fact is that the two areas are surveyed, and are shown on the county litho, although no actual plan of them is forthcoming. In concluding this report there are one or two features to which I would draw your attention. I have placed very little reliance, if any, upon the very circumstantial statement made by William C. Savage, one of the witnesses called by petitioners. His evidence was in part flatly contradicted by Harehare Aterea, another witness for petitioners. At the conclusion of Savage's evidence I discovered that at the time of the purchase by the Crown he was only a lad of thirteen years of age — this upon his own admission. Again, after a lapse of forty-six years it is impossible for witnesses to retain a clear impression of what actually took place at both the investigation and the sale of the block. It appears that before his death Captain Mair sent a document regarding the purchase of Kaingaroa No. 1 to the elders of Ngatimanawa for them to sign. The actual contents of this document lam unable to discover. The Ngatimanawa refused to sign, and Captain Mair then wrote them a somewhat insulting letter. This, one of the witnesses stated, was the reason for the petition. It would appear that by the death of Captain Mair an important witness for the Crown was removed, and that had he been alive it is possible the present petition would never have been presented. Another point raised by petitioners, but not mentioned in the petition, is that they have not received the full rent under lease to the Crown (see deed No. 478, of 28th January, 1875 : Turton's Deeds, Vol. 1, p. 673). Upon this point lam unable to comment, but departmental records will show if rental was paid from date of lease to date of purchase. To briefly summarize my report, the petitioners have failed to satisfy me on all points excepting the reserve called Motumako (500 acres), which I consider was intended to be set aside for the Ngatimanawa hapu or tribe. Enclosed herewith is a copy of the minutes taken at the inquiry, and departmental file N. 1925/311. Yours faithfully, A. G. Holland, Judge.

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