No. 239, Session II.—Petition of Hepeta Maitai and 34 Others.
Petitioners state that they inherited land from their ancestors, and when the Native Land Court investigated their claims several Europeans followed them about endeavouring to get them to sell. Some of the Europeans bought up individual shares, and before the others were aware mortgages and leases had been completed. The consequence is, that grave trouble has arisen; and they hope a stop will be put to such a practice.
I am directed to report as follows:—
That to meet this and similar cases the Government is recommended to bring in a Bill at as early a date as possible for providing for the disposal of Native lands.