No. 10.
Memorandum. for the Hon. the Minister for Native Affairs.
I forward the result of the inquiries of Messrs. Swainson and Fitzherbert into the question of the Wairarapa Five-per-cent. Funds. I forwarded them on the 2nd instant to the Superintendent for remark, and his Honour has to-day returned them to me without remark. I suggest that, as a first step, the voluminous papers be at once forwarded to the Auditor-General for examination and report.
Walter Mantell.
Wellington, 8th May, 1863.Memorandum.
In reference to the advances stated to have been made to Natives on account of the 5-per-cents (amounting to £896 1s. 7d.), I am of opinion that all presents to Native chiefs, and all sums paid on account of lands other than those of the original blocks, be struck out as being payments not chargeable on the fund, according to the terms of the original grants, and that the sum of £260 for school purposes be charged to the fund for school purposes.—Charles Knight, Auditor.