Report on Petition of Reha Aperahama and Others.

Petitioners allege that they are and always have been the real owners of land in Hauraki known as Aroha, by reason of their descent from the chief Marutuahu, but that James Mackay has paid money to other tribes for such land, although neither they nor their immediate ancestors have, or have had, any title to it. They express a desire that the money so paid should be made a charge upon the Natives who received it, and not upon the land of the petitioners.

I am directed to report as follows:—

That it seems evident, from statements made to the Committee, that this petition involves questions of Native title to land of a character much more intricate than appears on the surface. The title referred to in the petition have repeatedly been investigated by the Native Land Court, but its decision seems to have been misunderstood, and dissatisfaction has arisen, partly in consequence of purchase-money having been paid (as alleged) to people not entitled to receive it. That, while they are not prepared to express a specific opinion on the merits of the case, they nevertheless think it desirable that further inquiry should be made by the Native Land Court.