No. 12.
His Excellency the Governor to the Chief Justice and the Judges of the Supreme Court.

The Governor takes advantage of the meeting of the Judges of the Supreme Court in Auckland to beg the favour of their advice on a subject which has long engaged his attention, but which is surrounded with difficulties. He alludes to the establishment of a Court which shall have jurisdiction in and be able to dispose successfully of questions relating to land over which the Native title has not been extinguished; and he begs the favour of the Chief Justice and the Judges of the Supreme Court to give him their opinion and advice on the following points, viz.: First, whether the constitution and mode of procedure of the Supreme Court can be adapted for the investigation and determination of questions relating to Native title. If the answer to this question should be in the negative—Second, whéther an efficient Court could be established for such purpose, and what should be the nature of its constitution and procedure.