Nos. 173, 320. 322, 324, 327, 329, 376, 377, 378, 389, 400, and 401, 1889. —Petitions of G. P. Mutu and Others (No. 2), Reone Timoti and Others (No. 1), Rewi Koruarua and Others (No.1), Hoani Korehe Kahu and Others (No. 1), Kehoma Hokianga and Others (No. 2), Watene Tapiha and Others (No. 2), Robert Brown and Others (No. 2), Te Koti Terato and Others (No. 2), Teone Paina and Others (No. 2), Timoti Karetai and Others (No. 2), James Rickers and Others (No. 1), Honi Matiu and Others (No. 1).
Petitioners state that they suffer great loss owing to the operation of clause 3 of the Stamp Duties Act. They pray that the operation of the Act may be removed from all their reserves.
I am directed to report as follows: That the Committee is opinion that something should be done to remove the grounds of complaint. The Stamp Act is oppressive and a heavy burden upon the Native race, as it is generally stopped out of rents. It should be distributed over the period of the lease by an annual payment. The Committee therefore recommend the petitioners to the Government for favourable consideration.