No. 389 of 1882.—Petition of Renata Ropiha and 87 Others.
Petitioners state that when the Rangitikei-Manawatu Block was purchased, three hapus of the Ngatiraukawa tribe—namely, Ngatirakawa, Ngatitoa, and Ngatituranga, did not sign the deed of cession and took no part of the purchase-money; that by Native custom petitioners are owners of the Himutangi Block; that on grounds of policy the rents of certain Europeans to be paid on land occupied by them, the last named block had been impounded by Government; that out of these rents there was due to the petitioners at the time of an alleged settlement, the sum of £500, which had not since been paid to them; that with interest this sum now amounts to £1,250; that Government alleges that the whole of the impounded rents have been paid except £66 2s. 1d.
I am directed to report as follows:—
That at the request of Mr. Buller, counsel for the petitioners, as expressed by the honorable member who presented the petition, its consideration has been postponed; that it is now too late in the session for the Committee to consider the complicated questions involved; and that the Committee therefore recommends the Government to look carefully into the matter, and do what may be equitable towards the settlement of a long-standing dispute.