Report on Petition (No. 5) of Hirini Taiwhanga and 2 Others.

The petitioners complain that due attention was not given to a petition of the Ngapuhi tribe, sent to Parliament in 1874, against the repeal of "The Native Lands Act 1865," against which they allege no fault was found during the eight years of its existence, except in the case of the foolish Maoris of Napier.

They state that the Native Act of 1873 has worked badly, causing distress to the people and wasting the public money. They pray for the repeal of the Act of 1873, and think that if it is continued in operation for another year the people will die.

I am directed to report as follows:—The Committee regret that the time at their disposal has not been sufficient to enable them to make such inquiries as would justify them in reporting an opinion on the subject-matter of this petition.

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