No. 284.—Petition of Henare Haeretuterangi and 18 Others.

Petitioners complain that great injury is caused through the practice of the Native Land Court in regard to the rights of adopted children, and they pray for relief.

I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that, as the question referred to involves so many issues in relation to the disposition by the Natives of their lands, the Government should carefully consider the matter, and take such steps as will determine what should be done to avoid hardship or injustice being done to the relatives of deceased Natives.