Report on Petition of Hare Reweti and 9 Others.

This petition refers to penalties said to have been inflicted upon one J. B. Matthews, of Mangonui, for making and selling honey-beer. The petitioners are of opinion that it is not right to prevent persons, who cannot make beer, or who are too lazy to do so, from drinking and paying for it. They pray that the making and selling of honey-beer may be free from any license, and that the penalties inflicted upon J. B. Matthews be remitted.

I am directed to report as follows:—

That, with respect to the alteration of the law, so as to permit the selling of honey-beer without a license, the Committee desire to express no opinion, but leave it to the consideration of the House; and, in regard to the remission of the fine, the Committee believe that it ought to be inquired into, and determined by the Government.