Report on Petition of Takerei te Nawe and Others.
Petitioners express an opinion that the Native Land Court Bill, introduced during the present session, will prove injurious to the Native race in many of its provisions if passed into law; and, after reciting the clauses which they consider specially bad, they pray that it may not be passed hastily or without full consideration.
I am directed to report as follows:—
That the subject-matter of this petition having been considered by the House, and the Bill in question withdrawn, the Committee do not think it necessary to report specifically on the merits of the various matters referred to by the petitioners; but the Committee are of opinion that, in view of future legislation on the subject of Native lands, the opinions expressed in this and other petitions of a similar character deserve the careful consideration of the House and the Government.
John Bryce,
Chairman.