No. 238.—Petition of Rora Mete Kingi Paetahi and Others.

The petitioners state that they are members of the Ngarauru Tribe, and are entitled, by Native custom, to 5,790 acres of land situate between the Rivers Waitotara and Whenuakura. The petitioners admit that about the year 1867 their tribe generally went into rebellion against the Queen, and that the land in question was confiscated in consequence thereof, but that they, the petitioners, never participated in such rebellion; and they pray that the said land, or land equal in quantity and quality, may be restored to them.

I am directed to report that the claims of the petitioners appear to have been fully heard and determined by the Compensation Court which sat at Wanganui in 1867. The Committee do not feel able to review that decision satisfactorily, and cannot, therefore, recommend the prayer of the petitioners to the favourable consideration of the House.