Nos. 233 and 457.—Petitions of Matenga Taiwhanga and Others (Nos. 1 and 2).

Petitioners pray that the lessees of lands in the Rotorua Township may be made to pay their rents owing; also, that the sum of £145 owing by the Government to the Rotorua Natives may be paid to Warihi Makitaunu.

I am directed to report as follows: That the evidence before the Committee suggests that the owners of the Rotorua lands under the Thermal Springs Act are not agreed as to how the moneys accruing from the leases shall be paid to them. The Committee is also of opinion that, if money is paid to petitioners as desired by them, their receipt for the same will not relieve the Government from the responsibility of having to pay in accordance with previous agreements under the Thermal Springs Act; and the Committee recommend that the Government should take immediate steps to settle the difficulties which have arisen. The information asked for in Petition No. 457 has been supplied.