No. 236 of 1882.—Petition of Nevil Septimus Walker.
Petitioner states that in 1878, acting under instructions from the Native Minister, he paid to members of Rewi's tribe about £300, to enable them to obtain clothing and food during the Native meeting in Waitara; that he furnished to the Native Office vouchers for these advances, and that he has received only £160 on account. He prays for relief.
I am directed to report as follows:—
That it is true that Mr. Walker sent a claim for £300, which received qualified approval from Mr. Sheehan, then Native Minister. Mr. Walker was told by the latter that when he sent vouchers, &c., which would be in conformity with the rules of the Audit Department, the money would be paid. The account now stands thus: Paid to Mr. Walker on account, £30; vouchers passed, £128 0s. 5d.; total, £158 0s. 5d. Outstanding: Vouchers without receipts, £12 1s., and £59 13s. 4d.; receipts, but no certificates as to fact that the supplies were furnished to Maoris, £70 5s. 3d.; total, £141 19s. 7d. The Committee has no recommendation to make.