Report on Petition of Toha Rahurahu and Others.
The petitioners object to the provisions of the Native Land Court Bill introduced during the present session, and pray that the Resident Magistrate and twelve selected Maoris may be empowered to do whatever is necessary to be done in their district in respect to Native land.
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That the subject-matter of this petition having been considered by the House, and the Bill in question withdrawn, the Committee do not think it necessary to report specifically on the merits of the various matters referred to by the petitioners; but the Committee are of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.