No. 337, Session II.—Petition of Kati Pahi and 17 Others.

Petitioners pray that attention be given to their wants relative to Stewart Island—that a Commissioner may be appointed to inquire into the grievances of the Murihiku people and petitioners. In 1864 Mr. Clarke made a report, which they pray may be set aside, as it was only written in the presence of a few, and the names of certain people were wrongfully included, as they did not belong to the Murihiku people. Some of the petitioners who had a claim to the Island have been excluded. They urge that the Crown grants may be issued immediately after adjustment.

I am directed to report as follows:—

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.