No. 41, Session I.—Petition of Thomas Hawkins Smith.

The petitioner states that, in 1869, he made an agreement to lease from the Native owners certain flax lands in the neighbourhood of Maketu, but that the lease was never executed, owing to the action taken by the Government agents for the purchase of the said lands. The petitioner then enters into lengthy details of correspondence and negotiations with the Native Department and Government agents, extending over many years. He now, as he alleges, petitions for compensation in accordance with the recommendation of the Native Minister.

I am directed to report as follows:—

That the Government seems to have fully inquired into the allegations of the petition, and this Committee sees no reason for reopening the subject.