No. 209, 1899.—Petition of Ani Paki and Another.

Petitioners allege that the present lessee of the Oruamatua-Kaimanawa No. 2 Block obtained the lease at an unfairly low rental, and in an illegal manner. They pray that the Legislature may assist them in obtaining an adequate rent.

I am directed to report that if, as the petitioners allege, the lease of the block referred to was obtained by fraud and intimidation it is clearly a case for the law-courts, and this Committee cannot deal with it, consequently there is no recommendation to make.