No. 94 of 1882.—R. S. Thompson.

Petitioner states that last year he had presented a petition on behalf of his wife, in respect to her claims in the West Coast District of the North Island; that the Committee had referred the matter to the Government; that since that time nothing had been done, and that petitioner's case is worse now than last year, as part of the land which it had been agreed should be reserved has been taken from the Natives in order to pay part of the cost the colony was put to in taking measures to preserve the peace. The petitioner prays for further inquiry, and such relief for his wife as may seem meet.

I am directed to report as follows:—

That a similar petition was presented last session and was referred to the West Coast Royal Commissioner for consideration, being one of a class of claims coming within the scope of the Commission. Sir W. Fox has since reported upon the case to the Government, and states that the claim of the petitioner's wife is not superior to that of other members of her tribe. The land is not yet subdivided, but when this is being arranged, Mrs. Thompson's claim to her fair share of the tribal land can be considered. The Committee does not consider it necessary to interfere in the division of these tribal reserves, but would recommend that individualization be carried out as soon as practicable.