Sessional_Paper_1886-1887 — Page 492

REPORT FROM THE LAND COMMISSION OF 1886-87.

XXXV

The reason of the delay in making this report has been the vast nature of the inquiry. It would have been desirable for the Commissioners to have examined the witnesses, as they might have altered their opinions if they had been acquainted with the facts in the possession of the Commissioners. The absence of the Chairman, the Chief Justice, was unavoidable, and it was thought by the members of the Commission desirable to get the Report prepared before he went away, more especially as he would then be in a position to give any information which might be required in England. They therefore decided to close their enquiry before his departure, and agreed to the draft Report, which has since been amplified by him, and has been transmitted by him in its present shape from Japan.

The Commissioners feel that their Report is somewhat imperfect, but that, even such as it is, they owe it in a large measure to the exertions of their Secretary, who has spent much time in collecting the materials for them, and whose labours they think should be adequately rewarded.

14th April, 1887.

GEO. PHILLIPPO,

Chairman.

EDW. J. ACKROYD.

J. M. PRICE.

A. P. MCEWEN.

HO KAI.

ADDITIONAL REMARKS BY THE SURVEYOR GENERAL.

I concur generally in the recommendations contained in this Report with the exception of those at pages 26 and 29 in connexion with trespassers and squatters.

I desire to record my objection to any compensation for disturbance being awarded to trespassers of however long standing,

Native poachers are perfectly well aware that they are acting illegally in surreptitiously appro- priating Crown Land and-looking to the difficulties of detection-I think that the laches of the Crown in not evicting immediately that the trespass has been committed should be no reason on which to found any recommendation for indemnity.

Nor in respect of Squatters can I see the justice of saddling the general ratepayers of the Colony with the burthen of any compensation for disturbance in view of the covenants endorsed on the Licence of the squatter which specially set forth that the latter is only a tenant at will.

(Signed),

J. M. PRICE,

Surveyor General.