No. 33, 1898.—Petition of W. and S. Gower and 16 Others.

Petitioners, who are holders of leases within the confiscated territory on the west coast of the North Island, pray for refund of costs incurred in connection with the leases, such costs, they allege, having fallen on them through defects in the law.

I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition.