Reports of the Native Affairs Committee, 1891, No. 2.

No. 470. 1891, Sess. II.—Petition of Manuera Motu and Others

No. 470. 1891, Sess. II.—Petition of Manuera Motu and Others.

Petitioners allege that the Trustees who hold certain lands for them in the Bay of Plenty (confiscated lands returned) are dealing with the same as their own property, and appropriating the proceeds. They pray for relief.

I am directed to report as follows: This petition refers to a class of cases known as the "Whakatane Trust Grants," which the Legislature has dealt with on more than one occasion, but some how or other all special enactments in reference thereto failed to give the Native Land Court sufficient jurisdiction whereby relief could have been secured to the beneficiary owners. Under the present circumstances the beneficiaries cannot participate in the proceeds arising from such lands, nor can they compel the trustees to distribute the same among them. The Committee recommends that the Government will, at the earliest opportunity, bring in such legislation as will absolutely set the matter at rest.

16th September, 1891.