No. 300, 1889. —Petition of Thomas Hawkins Smith.

Petitioner solicits the return of a sum of money expended by him in the purchase of Native lands, and for compensation for losses alleged to have been sustained through the wrongful acts of Government.

I am directed to report as follows: That the petition was reported upon last year, and a reasonable rate of interest recommended. The Committee are of opinion that the £30 offered as interest is not sufficient, and would therefore recommend that the amount of interest be increased to £50—£100 in all—as a final settlement of this claim.