No. 58 of 1882.—Petition of Hone Paratene (John Paterson).

Petitioner prays that a Maori from the Middle Island should be nominated to the seat in the Legislative Council vacated by Mr. Taiaroa, and says that the Natives wish either Hone Tope Patuki or himself to be nominated. Petitioner also says that there is a difficulty in dividing the reserves at Kaiapoi, and desires that a Court should sit and adjudicate upon the claims, and that, in case of need, the law should be altered so as to meet the circumstances.

I am directed to report as follows:—

That, regarding the first part of the petition, the Committee has no recommendation to make, it being quite outside of its functions to consider the subject. But, in reference to the second part, it recommends that Government should inquire into the case, and take such steps as may seem desirable.