No. 22 of 1880.—Petition of Peter Austin.
Petitioner states that in 1876 he leased and entered into possession of a farm called Belmont, containing 360 acres. That the dividing fence between this and a neighbouring property called Te Komata had never been erected, though there was a survey line cut through the bush. Since he got possession he tried to erect a fence, but the Natives have prevented this being done, and have also kept his cattle off 150 acres of his farm, though the whole is Crown-granted, and has been in European possession for over thirty years. He prays that steps may be taken to secure him in peaceable possession, and prays also for compensation for his loss.
I am directed to report as follows:—
That this seems to be part of a large question relating to disputed titles to land in the Ohinemuri District, and the Committee would call the attention of the Government to it in that connection.