No. 98 of 1881.—Petition of Hemara Tauhia and 32 Others.

Petitioners claim to be owners of Hauturu (Little Barrier Island), unjustly awarded by the Land Court to Ngatiwai. They say that Judge Rogan's decision on the 16th June, 1880, which gave the land to petitioners, was just; but that the Assessor, who sat at a subsequent hearing of the case, was bribed. They state that they will hold the land, and there will be fighting. Petitioners conclude by saying that "the Parliament should not make any more laws affecting Maori lands, for they will be the cause of wars between the races."

I am directed to report as follows:—

That there was a rehearing of this case on the 14th May, 1881, before Chief Judge Fenton and a Native Assessor. There was unfortunately a difference of opinion, and the case had to be adjourned. On the 8th June, 1881, Judge Monroe and an Assessor decided in favour of Ngatiwai, and the petitioners felt aggrieved. The Government is now trying to settle the matter, and the Committee recommends that no effort should be spared to bring to a satisfactory conclusion a very serious dispute.