No. 47, Sess. II.—Petition of Atanatiu te Kairangi.

Petitioner states that an island, called Paruparu, situated at the eastern end of the South Island, belongs to him; that when the land in the neighbourhood was purchased by Mr. McLean this island was specially excluded from the sale, because it was a landing-place for their boats, and also that some of their dead were buried there. He says he has made repeated applications to the Government for the island, which have been taken no notice of. He prays that it may be restored to him.

I am directed to report as follows:—

That this first Ngatitoa deed of cession did not mention the island referred to in this petition, but purports to sell their claims on the Middle Island (Waipounamu).

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The second Ngatitoa deed mentions specifically the several blocks on the mainland which were included in the sales, but does not mention the island in any way.

It is further urged, on behalf of the petitioner, that a distinct arrangement was come to with the Ngatitoa Tribe at Porirua that these islands were to be reserved for them and their children (apart from the reservations made on behalf of their relatives living on the Waipounamu). That Statement is fully borne out by the evidence of Sir George Grey, K.C.B., M.H.R., who presided over the said purchase.

Your Committee is therefore of opinion that the island Paruparu and those adjacent should be restored to the proper representatives of the Ngatitoa Tribe who owned those islands.