No. 11, 1890.—Petition of Meiha Keepa and 63 Others.

Petitioners complain of the position Major Kemp holds as trustee for Block 11, containing 14,975 acres of land, at Horowhenua, and asking Parliament to decide his position in the matter.

I have the honour to report as follows: That, in the opinion of this Committee, after a lengthened hearing of witnesses, this Committee has come to the conclusion that a trust was understood to be created when the Horowhenua Block No. 11 was vested in Major Kemp and Warena Hunia, and this Major Kemp himself states was the understanding.

That the legal opinion seems to be that, at this stage of the proceedings which are being conducted in the Supreme Court, no plea of of the trust existing can be asked, and, if it could, would have no effect.

That, under these circumstances, the necessary legislation should be provided to authorise a rehearing of the block, with the object of subdivision among the several parties concerned.