No. 96 of 1881.—Petition of Wi te Wheoro (No. 2).

Petitioner says that he and his hapu, which had always been loyal, lost their land during the Waikato war, and that the Native Affairs Committee had recommended the Government to settle their claims; he asks for a Commission to be appointed, that a speedy settlement may be made.

I am directed to report as follows:—

The Committee recommends that effect should be given to the report of last year, subject, however, to this condition, namely, that the legality of the confiscation shall not be called in question, and the inquiry shall be confined to ascertaining whether or not there are any special circumstances in the case of the petitioner entitling him and his people to further consideration.