No. 27, 1890.—Petition of Winiata te Wharo and 7 Others.

Petitioners pray that the approaching hearing by the Native Land Court of the Awarua Block at Marton may be adjourned, so that the investigation may take place during the coming summer at Moaowhango, the principal settlement of the resident owners of the land.

I have the honour to report as follows: That, as the Court now sitting at Marton has proceeded far into the investigation of the Awarua Block, the Committee cannot recommend that the prayer of the petition be complied with, as it would probably cause considerable loss and inconvenience to many Natives interested. Bat it is alleged that the holding of Land Courts in European townships at unsuitable seasons is productive of much sickness, and even worse evils, among the Natives who attend the Courts on those occasions. The Committee therefore desire to express the opinion that, in fixing the time and place for sittings of the Court, the utmost consideration compatible with the due efficiency of the Court and the speedy ascertainment of titles should be extended to the Natives, and their interests consulted as far as possible.