No. 14, Session I.—Petition of Edward Constable.

The petitioner states that in the year 1844 he received from the Government of New Zealand a preemptive certificate authorizing him to purchase certain lands from the Maoris, which in the same year he accordingly did, at an expense of £300; that, owing to there being only three surveyors in the district at that time, he was unable to comply with the terms of a Proclamation issued by the Government, and that his title was held to have lapsed in consequence; that the land in question has been taken possession of and sold by the Government without any payment having been made either to the petitioner or the original Native owners. The petitioner prays for compensation or other relief.

I am directed to report as follows:—

That the Committee does not recommend any action upon the claim of Mr. Constable.