No. 179, Sess. II.—Petition of Arundell and Ross and Others.

Petitioners state that they are leaseholders of Native reserves in the West Coast confiscated territory. They say that the West Coast Commissioner informed them that he would recommend their leases for confirmation, subject to certified plans being indorsed.

They pray that their leases may be confirmed, subject to the condition aforesaid, and also that they be granted valuation for improvements, and, as far as possible, that their leases may contain the same conditions as those granted by the Public Trustee.

I am directed to report as follows:—

That, as the leases in question appear to be equitable, the Committee recommends that they be confirmed when the plans have been put in the deeds as required by law.

The question of renewal of the leases mentioned in this petition is of peculiar difficulty; but the Committee considers that it might be disposed of, to the advantage of both the lessees and the Natives, by the surrender of such existing leases as were made prior to 1879, and giving in exchange new leases under the West Coast Settlement Reserves Act, at rents to be computed upon the present improved value of the land. This would give the Natives at once the full yearly value of the land, and would leave the lessees free to continue to improve the freehold.

In any renewal to be made under this recommendation the West Coast Commissioner should be most careful to observe the conditions of clause 8 of "The West Coast Settlement Reserves Act, 1881," in reference to acting in concert with the Native owners.