Nos. 163, 164, 165, 166, and 265.—Petitions of J. Townley and 1,301 Others (Settlers of East Coast and Poverty Bay), the Gisborne Borough Council, the Cook County Council, the Gisborne Harbour Board, and Komene te Ito and 128 Others.

Petitioners pray that an Act may be passed to give relief to the Native owners interested in the East Coast Native trust lands by providing for a Board to take over and deal with the same in such manner as will insure bond fide settlement.

I am directed to report that, having considered the Bill introduced to provide legislation in the above direction, the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to the above-mentioned petitions.