No. 74, Sess. II., 1884.—Petition of Paratene Ngata and 4 Others.

Petitioners state that several of their letters and newspapers have never reached them, and ask that postmasters may be instructed to take receipts from Maoris for letters, &c., given to them.

I am directed to report as follows: That the Committee considers that the delivery of letters to Natives should be carried on upon the same principle and with the same safeguards as if the documents were addressed to Europeans, and that the petition be referred to the Government for their consideration.