Report on the Petition of Ihaia Tainui and Another.

Petitioners complain that certain reserves situated at Greymouth were given up to the Government on certain conditions, which they allege have not been complied with.

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They think that the Government have not managed their affairs properly, inasmuch as they have expended sums of money accruing from these reserves on Government works.

They pray that they may be allowed to apply to the Native Lands Court to have their title investigated, with a view to the issue of Crown grants to individuals. They further pray that their land may be given back to them, and that they may receive compensation for the construction of roads and railway lines on their lands.

I am directed to report as follows:—That, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioners in this case do not appear to have any good ground of complaint, and that the reserve in question seems to be fairly and judiciously administered on behalf of the Natives concerned.

The Committee is further of opinion that the law which enables the Governor to sell such reserves should be amended, so as to provide that no such sale should be effected without a special Act of the Legislature in such cases.