Report on Petition of Hariata te Rapu and Another.

Petitioners allege that in 1872 they sold to the then Government Agent, George Buckland Worgan, two sections of land containing, together, 800 acres, for the sum of £800, but that of that sum so agreed to be paid they have only received £240, and they pray for redress.

I am directed to report as follows:—

That it appears from evidence taken that the two petitioners each sold 400 acres of land to Mr. Worgan as agent for the Government for £1 per acre.

That Mr. Worgan paid to the petitioners the sum of £240, and no more.

That Mr. Worgan alleges that he paid the balance of the £800 to other Natives.

That there does not appear to have been any good reason for making such payment of the balance, and the Committee have no evidence, except Mr. Worgan's statement, that the payment was made.

That it appears to the Committee that the petitioners are entitled to the balance of their purchase-money.

That it also appears to the Committee that a searching inquiry into the transaction should be made without delay, especially with a view to ascertain whether the payment of the balance was made as alleged by Mr. Worgan; and, if so, to whom, and for what object.