No. 284.—Petition of Wi Parata and Hemi Matenga.

The petitioners state that they are the owners of Urenui-Onaero Block, at Taranaki, by ancestral right, the particulars of which are set forth. They allege that their claims were not considered by the Compensation Court which sat in 1866, but that subsequently they were offered £200, which offer they declined as inadequate. They pray that full inquiry may be made into their claims, and that such compensation be given them as may seem meet.

I am directed to report that the Committee find that the claim of the petitioners had been inquired into by the Government, and an offer of £200 made as compensation, The Committee feel that it is impossible that they can make a full inquiry into such a claim as is set forth in the petition, and they are of opinion that the matter should be dealt with by the Government.