Report on Petition of Nepia Pohuhu and Others. (Presented in 1876.)

This is a petition presented last session, and referred back in consequence of the Native Affairs Committee of last year not having reported an opinion to the House.

The petitioners complain that various blocks of land in the Wairarapa have been improperly purchased, and state a variety of reasons in support of their opinion, some of which are difficult to understand.

In some cases they ask that the land be restored to them, and in others that additional money be paid.

I am directed to report as follows:—

That the Committee have entered at some length into the subject-matter of the petition by the examination of Mr. Cooper, Under-Secretary, Mr. Clarke, of the Native Office, and three Native witnesses; but, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioners have not established a case that would justify a formal inquiry by Government, nor do the Committee think that such an inquiry (if held) would produce any definite result.