No. 349 of 1882.—Petition of Robert Graham (No. 1).

Petitioner states that on the 9th December, 1878, the Natives made a gift to him of a portion of Te Koutou and Kawaha in the Rotorua district, and agreed to lease the remainder; that this was done because he had prevented bloodshed; that he has made improvements upon the land; that the land has been proclaimed under the Thermal-Springs Act, and that he has therefore been prevented from getting any advantage from the gift.

I am directed to report as follows:—

That Te Koutou Block, which includes Kawaha, was leased by Government in September, 1874, that in March, 1878, Government proclaimed the block as under negotiation for purchase, whilst the petitioner acknowledges that the alleged gift was in December of the same year; the pretended gift seems to have been got after a plentiful supply of stores, including spirits and tobacco, to the Natives, and the promise of a church and newspaper, which promise has not been fulfilled; Mr. Graham seems to have no equitable claim to the land, and has no right to look to the Government for assistance.