Report on Petition of Maihi P. Kawiti and 269 Others.

Petitioners urge several objections to the Native Lands Bill introduced during the present session, but since withdrawn.

They assert that it is even worse than the Native Lands Acts of 1873 and 1874, and that death would be better than life if such torture is to continue. That, while objecting to the proposed new law, they also earnestly pray for the repeal of the laws of 1873 and 1874.

The petitioners also pray for the removal from office of the Native Minister, and that some person be put in his place who will turn his attention to the making of good laws which will not rob them of their land—clear laws, which will result in the union of the two races.

I am directed to report as follows:—The Committee regret that the time at their disposal has not been sufficient to enable them to make such inquiries as would justify them in reporting an opinion on the subject-matter of this petition.