No. 247.—Petition of Epiha Karoro and Others (No. 4).
Petitioners state that a person named Poole got permission from them to occupy a portion of their land near Mokau, which was pegged off by Poole. He afterwards occupied more of their land without their permission, and erected a jetty. Some of the petitioners destroyed a portion of the jetty, for which they were summoned, and were ordered to pay, with damages and costs, £47 8s. They say the amount for the damage to the jetty was excessive, and that the Magistrate had no power to deal with the case. They pray that inquiry may be made into their case.
I am directed to report as follows: That there is not sufficient evidence before the Committee to enable it to express a positive opinion on the merits of the case; but, as various considerations of importance are involved, it is recommended that the Government make inquiry into the circumstances, and ascertain whether injury has been suffered by the petitioners of a sufficiently exceptional character to justify relief being afforded.