No. 248 of 1881.—Petition of Renata te Whauwhau and 55 Others (No. 1).

Petitioners say that certain land at Katikati had been, at a time unknown to them, sold by the Ngatimatera to some Europeans, and they pray that the sale should not be legalized until the case has been carefully inquired into; and also that the trees upon the land should be protected from both Maoris and Europeans.

I am directed to report as follows:—

This was confiscated land, but returned to the Ngaiterangi Tribe. In 1864 the Government opened negotiations for its purchase, and this was completed by May, 1871. The deeds (seven) extend from August, 1866, to May, 1871; and the cost was £8,951. The various sections of the tribe received their shares, and everything was done in the most open way. The Committee cannot recommend the prayer of the petition.