No. 251, Session II.—Petition of Hone Rutene and 54 Others.

Petitioners state that they served in every engagement during Heke's war in 1845, assisting the Queen's troops to subdue the rebels; that many of their friends were shot by the rebels, and they never claimed compensation; that they came from the South of New Zealand, and never owned any land in the district; but they are living on other persons' land, and may be turned away at any moment. Having children, they are anxious to leave them land before they die. They pray that a small grant of land may be made to themselves and children.

I am directed to report as follows:—

That the Government be requested to institute an inquiry at as early a date as possible, and, if it be found that the statement of the petitioners be accurate, that a provision be made of a fair allotment of land proportionate to their services and wants; and, if possible, such allotment to be in the neighbourhood of Kawakawa.