No. 253.—Petition of Retireti Tapihana and Matenga Waharoa (No. 3).

Petitioners complain that, owing to disturbances in the district, their tribes had been unable to assert their just claims to Kaikokupu, Waitahanui, and Te Puke Blocks, when in 1878 Judge Heale held a Court at Maketu. They say also that, on condition that they would desist from further disturbance, Mr. Sheehan, then Native Minister, had promised them a portion of the purchase-money, and that upon this promise they had returned to their homes; that five years have since passed, and nothing has been done. They ask for a rehearing, or other remedy, for their alleged grievances.

I am directed to report as follows:—

That Retireti Tapihana appeared before the Committee and gave some evidence, but desired that further consideration of the petition should be postponed till next session. The Committee agrees to this course.