in the...
not duly registered. Land Department, are they to be considered valid; but the present holders of them will be allowed the option of taking them at the average price which similar lots may fetch at the approaching sale of Crown lands.
The above rules are to form the groundwork of your enquiries and report; but His Excellency the Governor will be prepared to give your opinions and recommendations in favor of particular claims his favorable consideration, and to act on them as far as his instructions from, and duty to, Her Majesty's Government may place it in his power.
In conclusion, I am desired to point out to you that although hard cases may occasionally press individuals, such cases can be specially looked into and provided for; you are to remember, that if the claims of private individuals are entitled to indulgent consideration, it is no less incumbent on you to discharge the duty to which you have been appointed, and to which this letter relates, with rigid impartiality, so far as the relative interests of Her Excellency the Governor and the Government are concerned, and His Excellency the Governor must rely on your doing so.
The instructions which have been received from time to time from Her Majesty's Government, on the subject of this letter, can be referred to by your Committee at