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The lands under the second head are contained in the Whangapoua, Mercury Bay, Tairua, Wharekawa, and Omahu Blocks.
1 Whangapoua Block.
This has nearly all been granted to Natives, under the "Native Lands Act." Gold
has been found in two or three places in the neighbourhood of the Waitekuri
River, but the workings were abandoned in consequence of the obstructive policy
pursued by the Native owners. There is a little land within this area which
would be available for settlement, but the greater proportion is hilly, page 325
broken country. The kauri timber has
been sold to Messrs. Craig and Harris, and has formed the subject of
interminable lawsuits between those parties. It is questionable whether much of
the Whangapoua Block could be purchased, as it is probable the title to it is
complicated by private arrangements between the Native owners and certain
Europeans.
2 Mercury Bay Block.
This district is of considerable area. There are probably 40,000 acres of unsold land in it. The extent of land available for settlement is small. Gold has been found in two places, but the workings are now abandoned. Nearly the whole of the land has been granted to the Native owners, under the Native Lands Act, and the available kauri timber has been sold to either the Mercury Bay Saw-Mill Company or the Auckland Saw-Mill Company, who have valid leases or agreements extending over terms of years. I do not anticipate any great difficulty in procuring the freehold of this district. The Government have previously acquired some large blocks there, but which are of but little value for settlement.
3 Tairua Block.
This block probably contains about 20,000 acres of unsold land, mostly of a hilly, broken character, unsuitable for settlement, but which is believed to be auriferous. Alluvial gold has been found in two or three places, and it is reported that a "rush" of miners from the Thames has taken place there during the last few days. The kauri timber has been sold to Messrs. Seccombe and Son, who have a valuable saw-mill on freehold land near the mouth of the river Tairua. I think this block can be purchased from the Natives. I have been requested to get it surveyed, and to apply to the Native Land Court to investigate the title.
4 Wharekawa and Omahu Blocks.
These may be estimated at 40,000 acres of land of rough hilly character. I am not aware of any gold having been found there. I understand that Messrs. Hannaford, Logan, Brissenden, and O'Keefe have advanced moneys to the Natives for the purpose of defraying the expenses of surveying these lands, but the survey has not been undertaken owing to the opposition of some of the Natives. It is probable these blocks can be acquired, as I am informed that the liens registered in the Native Land Court by the above gentlemen can be purchased for a small amount from the holders, and this would give the Government a footing on the land.