Nos. 53 and 63, 1891, Sess. II.—Petitions of H. E. Johnston and Others (No. 1), and Henry Green and Another.

Petitioners, who are shareholders in the New Zealand Native Land Settlement Company, pray that facilities may be given to enable them to carry out the objects of their company.

I am directed to report as follows: It appears that the Native owners of lands on the East Coast and in other places desired to have their lands cut up for settlement. After some unsuccessful and costly attempts they formed a company with Europeans, the Maoris giving land and the Europeans money for the necessary expenses. The company was formed, but owing to many impediments arising from the state of the Native land laws and their numerous changes, the delay of the Native Land Courts, the want of assistance, both from the Legislature and Government, together with the heavy expenses attendant upon the conduct of the business, the Company failed. The European shareholders have lost enormous sums of money, and now the lands of the Natives are in serious danger. The former Native owners ore in many cases still in occupation, and it seems probable that to eject them would lead to very serious difficulties. They have not received anything like the value of their land. The inhabitants of the district, both Europeans and Maoris, have for a long time wished Government to pay off the mortgages at proper valuation, and cut the properties up for settlement, after making proper reservations for the Natives. Wi Pere, in his evidence, asserts that Natives interested in other lands will allow them to go as security for the money to be paid. It also appears that there are claims which the Government could recoup which cannot be recovered by any private individual or company.

The Committee recommends that power should he given to the Government to take over these lands on behalf of the Maori owners, on terms to be arranged between the Government, the Maoris, and the assets company; the land to be taken at a valuation to be made under the Public Works Act, additional security to be given to the Government, not only over the claims above mentioned, but also over the Native land to be agreed upon between the Government and the Maoris interested. (For evidence, vide I.–3a.)