No. 338 of 1880.—Petition of Hone Rapatini (John Robinson) and 10 Others.

Petitioners pray that Mr. Watt may be restored to the position of Native Officer.

I am directed to report as follows:—

That Mr. Watt is Resident Magistrate at Dunedin, and is paid in that capacity; that he had been acting for some time as Native Officer with a special salary, and that the Native Minister considered his services were fully remunerated by his salary as Resident Magistrate. This is a matter entirely under the charge of the Minister, and the Committee has therefore no recommendation to make.