No. 427.—Petition of William Humphries and 2 Others.

Petitioners set forth the particulars of a purchase of an acre of land in Wellington from certain Natives in 1877. By the alleged negligence of the late Mr. Halse, who was himself interested as a buyer with Mr. Humphries, the necessary steps for taking off certain restrictions in the Crown grant had been neglected. That gentleman's estate is now being administered by two of the petitioners, the interests of whose clients are now seriously endangered. They pray that the restrictions of the Crown grant may be removed upon such equitable terms as may be advisable.

I am directed to report as follows:—

That the transaction seems to have been bona fide on the part of the purchasers, but there are page 23legal difficulties to prevent assent to the prayer of the petition. The petition should be referred to the Government for consideration in the event of any proposed alteration of the law.