No. 292.—Petition of George Peter Mutu and Others.
The petitioners, members of the Ngaitahu Tribe residing at Kaiapoi, pray that means may be provided for investigating their claims as against those of the Ngatitoa Tribe, or any other Natives not being the original owners of the soil. They object to the fulfilment of any promise which recognizes a claim on the part of the Ngatitoa Tribe by right of conquest, alleging that they were a peaceable people unwilling to fight or murder, and the Ngatitoa people were the aggressors. (See former report this session.)
I am directed to report that 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.