No. 217, Sess. II.—Petition of John Runciman.

Petitioner states that he purchased 2,631 acres of land, being part of the Tamahere Block, from the Natives for £700. and which he occupied for some time. That in 1884 the Native Minister directed the land to be sold, by which the petitioner lost the £700 he had paid. He prays for inquiry.

I am directed to report as follows: That, from the evidence laid before the Committee, it appears that Mr. J. Runciman paid his money to Natives who had no claim upon the Tauwhare Block. That he had been warned of this, and the Committee has no recommendation to make.