No. 119.—Petition of Apera Te Paea and Others.

Petitioners state that Government has issued a Proclamation over certain land of theirs called Matawhitia which they allege to be illegal, as neither they nor their co-owners have ever received any money on account, nor entered into any agreement with the Government respecting the said land. They pray for relief.

I am directed to report as follows: That if there be no advances on the land, as alleged, there seems to be no valid reason for continuing the Proclamation. The Committee recommends the matter to the consideration of the Government, with a view to immediate action.