No. 249 of 1881.—Petition of Henare Tomoana.

Petitioners states that about 1867 a piece of land called Pakohai was passed through the Native Land Court; that at that time many persons resided upon the property, having cultivations and wooden houses; that, owing to the ignorance of the people, they allowed the name of Karaitiana Takamoana to be inserted in the Crown grant; that since that time the petitioner and his tribe have been turned off, and their land and cultivations taken possession of by other people; that when Takamoana's name was inserted in the deed it was only as trustee for petitioner and his tribe; and, finally, that Takamoana made a will disposing of the land, the validity of which instrument the petitioner contested in the Supreme Court and won his case. The petitioner prays that the original Crown grant may be cancelled, and a new one issued in favour of himself and people.

I am directed to report as follows:—

That, the claims of the petitioner having been adjudicated upon in the Supreme Court, and likely to be the subject of further litigation, the Committee has no recommendation to make.