No. 371 of Session II., 1879.—Petition of Hatere Tamehana Te Waharoa and Others.

Petitioners state that they had claims upon land at Tauwhare; that 21,000 acres of confiscated land had been given to a part of the Ngatihaua tribe, but no Crown grants issued; that Government bought the rights of Natives by holding over them a threat that they must take low prices or get nothing; that, under the influence of this threat, some sold, some refused, whilst others left the district and joined the Hauhaus. That it was understood that the reason for not issuing Crown grants was that the land was inalienable. The petitioners pray that the sales made under these threats, either to the Government or to private purchasers, should not affect their interests, as they had not consented to such sales.

I am directed to report as follows:—

That the Committee has learned that a considerable proportion of the persons who allege an interest in this land have been settled with, and that, in regard to the remainder, it seems to be only a question of more or less compensation. The Committee therefore recommends the Government to consider the matter with a view to an early settlement. The Committee further calls the attention of the Government to the allegation, which seems to be supported by evidence, that threats were made to coerce the Natives into ceding the land, and hopes a searching inquiry may be made into this charge.