No. 44, 1890.—Petition of R. S. Thompson.

Petitioner states he is the father and trustee of Pare Kawhia, a half-caste, and owner of Section 154, Block IV., Waimate Survey District, and that the Public Trustee, who administers the land, has reduced the rent from £19 10s. to £8 per annum, thereby seriously reducing the income of his (petitioner's) child. He prays for inquiry and relief.

I am directed to report as follows: That the deterioration of the property is the result of the lessee's neglect, but yet, as a consequence of it, he becomes benefited in the reduction of rent. It is feared that this will be a too frequent occurrence, as it is impossible for a Public Trustee to page 2maintain the assiduous supervision that is practicable by a private owner; and the Committee recommend the Government to grant the prayer of the petitioner, and in all similar cases to relieve the Public Trustee of the management of properties that could be much better dealt with by the owners.