No. 488.—Petition of Hone Wetere and Others.

Petitioners, who reside at Kawhia, pray for protection in dealing with their own lands, with the assistance and advice of the Government, and say that they will assist in carrying out public works, such as roads, railways, and telegraphs.

I am directed to report as follows:—

That this petition be referred to the Government for consideration, the Committee, of course, giving no opinion upon the question of ownership.