Report on Petition of Petera Pukuatua and Others.

This petition contains numerous suggestions as to the mode of dealing with Native lands, principally with regard to details, and having special reference to the lands of the Arawa tribe, from some of whom the petition comes.

I am directed to report as follows:—

That the Committee recommend this petition, with its numerous and important practical suggestions, to the careful consideration of the Government, in connection with any new legislation on the subject of Native lands. The Committee specially call attention to and recommend that portion of the petition which asks that all lands at Rotorua and surrounding districts (well known as the site of most of the natural wonders of the Lake country) should be made absolutely inalienable.