No. 248, 1898.—Petition of Wepiha te Wainohu and 98 Others.

Petitioners complain that the persons named in the Crown grant for the Waihua Nos. 1 and 3 Blocks, Wairoa, Hawke's Bay District, who are merely trustees for the rightful owners, have leased the land for a lengthy period at a rental far below the correct value, also that the individual interests as determined by the Native Land Court are wrong. They pray for readjustment.

I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that this petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration.