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Report on Petition of Wi Katene te Mapu and Others.
Petitioners complain of the existing laws affecting Native lands, and object also to the passing of the Native Land Bill introduced during the present session. The petitioners think that all laws affecting Native lands should remain in abeyance for a time, alleging that there is no hurry, as the Maoris do not intend to carry their lands away, or place them under the dominion of France, but are content to remain under the authority of the Queen.
I am directed to report as follows:—
That the subject-matter of this petition having been considered by the House, and the Bill in question withdrawn, the Committee do not think it necessary to report specifically on the merits of the various matters referred to by the petitioners; but the Committee are of opinion that, in view of future legislation on the subject of Native lands, the opinions expressed in this and other petitions of a similar character deserve the careful consideration of the House and the Government.
John Bryce,
Chairman.
[Translation.]
Ko te Kupu a te Komiti mo runga i te Pukapuka-inoi a Wi Katene te Mapu ma.
E whakahe ana nga kai-iuoi ki nga Ture e whai mana ana inaianei mo nga Whenua Maori e mea ana hoki ratou kia kaua e whakaaetia te Ture Whenua Maori kua homai ki te Paremete i roto i tenei nohoanga. E whakaaro ana nga kai-inoi kia waiho kia tarewa nga Ture mo nga Whenua Maori ki ta ratou ki hoki kahore he take e kaikatia ai, notemea kahore e kawea e nga Maori o ratou whenua ki tetahi wahi ke ki te hoatu ranei ki raro o te mana o Wiwi, engari ka noho tonu ratou i raro i te mana o te Kuini.
Kua whakahaua ahau kia ki penei atu ki te Whare:—
Kua oti te whiriwhiri te putake o tenei Pukapuka-inoi e te Whare, a kua unuhia taua Ture, koia e kore ai te Komiti e whakaaro kia whai kupu ratou mo nga tikanga o nga mea e whakahuatia ana i roto i taua pukapuka-inoi. Engari e mahara ana te Komiti notemea era ano e hanga he Ture mo nga Whenua Maori me ata whiriwhiri marire e te Whare, e te Kawanatanga hoki nga whakaaro e whakahuatia ana i roto i tenei me etahi atu pukapuka-inoi e rite ana ki tenei.
John Bryce,
Tumuaki.