No. 472.—Petition of Taonui Hikaka and Others (No. 3).

Petitioners pray that the Chief Judge of the Native Land Court be removed from his position, and another European, acquainted with the Maori language and customs be appointed, and that certain change be made in Native Land Court procedure.

I am directed to report as follows: That this petition be referred to the Government, the Committee considering it is not called upon to interfere in a matter purely departmental.