No. 140.—Petition of Pauro Tutaawha and 66 Others.

Petitioners complain that their fisheries and eel-weirs are being destroyed by the steamers running on the Wanganui River. At a meeting held at Ranana Mr. Ballance promised that the steamers should not go beyond that place; but since then they have gone as far as Pipiriki, at which the petitioners are much annoyed.

I am directed to report as follows: That this petition be referred to the Government for consideration.