No. 31 of 1882.—Petition of Hori Ohomairangi and 328 Others.

Petitioners state that their lands (probably Pukekura and Puahoi, though no place is named) have been vested in ten individuals, and that they did not understand the nature of the transaction. They pray that some means may be devised by which they may be reinstated in those lands.

I am directed to report as follows:—

That this land was Crown-granted with restriction against sale, but with leave to lease for twenty-one years from the 17th December, 1869; that it has been leased; that the European occupants have from time to time applied to Government to take off the restrictions against sale, alleging that they have purchased the greater portion of the interest of the grantees; and that thus far Government has refused to take off the restrictions. The Committee recommends that the restrictions should not be removed, and further recommends that Government should seriously consider the possibility of bringing forward a measure to deal with cases in which a limited number of grautees are now able to sell lands in which the tribes to which they belong have an equitable interest.