Nos. 31, 129, and 130.—Petitions of Hamuera Karaitiana and 123 Others; Heni Matene te Whiwhi and 13 Others; and Hamapiri Tarikama and 5 Others (No. 1).

Petitioners pray for the return of certain lands (Ngaumutawa Block, near Masterton, and the Whitireia Block, near Porirua) which were given to the Church of England on the strength of promises made by the representatives of that body to establish schools, &c., for the benefit of the Maoris, which promises have never been fulfilled.

I am directed to report that, in the opinion of this Committee, the petitioners have a just grievance, for it appears certain that the conditions under which the land was given to the Church of England by the Natives have never been carried into effect. The Committee therefore recommends that the Government introduce legislation for the purpose of setting aside the Crown grants issued in favour of the Lord Bishop of New Zealand, and of declaring the land "papatupu" or Native land, and restoring the same to the Native donors, or their successors, along with all the rents accrued thereon.