G.—6 p.

(,h) A copy of the memorandum to the Chief Judge mentioned by Judge Johnson in the minute quoted in the last preceding paragraph is attached hereto. The order in Council dated the 18th May 1899 referred to in, that memorandum did not confer jurisdiction on the Native Land Court in respect of Parakiri or Wharewaka. In reply to Judge Johnson's enquiry as to the actual position of these two reserves, Mr. Sheridan wrote, on the 14th November, 1905, as follows : — " Judge Johnson. " I presume ' Parakiri' is the reserve in the Nukuhau purchase. If so you will perceive by the deeds enclosed that both it and Wharewaka are public reserves and that the Natives have no rights in connection with them other than as British subjects, generally, including of course yourself and myself." In returning the deeds to Mr. Sheridan, Judge Johnson wrote on the Ist December, 1905 :— " I have shown the deeds to the Natives interested but they are not at all satisfied. They will move further in the matter.'" lam unable to find that any action has been taken by the Natives until now. lam also unable to find in the papers in this Office anything to support Mr. Sheridan's statement that " it was then decided not to grant Wharewaka but simply to reserve it under the provisions of the Land Act " —vide paragraph (/), supra. The Registrar of the Native Land Court, Rotorua, reports that there is nothing in the Court records which throws any light on the matter. 3. A copy of the petition was referred to the Under-Secretary for Lands for comment. A copy of a report and plan supplied by the Commissioner of Crown Lands, Auckland, is enclosed. 4. Petition No. 123/1926 is returned herewith. Yours faithfully, (Sgd.) 0. N. Campbell, Under Secretary.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (460 copies), £25.

By Authority: E. V. Paul, Government Printer, Wellington.—3937.

Price 9d.]

24