No. 296, 1906.—Petition of Joseph Torrey and 383 Others, of Taihape, Utiku, Mangaweka, Mataroa, and Ohingaiti.

Petitioners pray that steps be taken to prevent speculators and Native-land agents dealing improperly in Native lands, and that the whole question of opening up Native lands for close settlement by way of lease be considered.

I am directed to report that, as this is a question of policy, the Committee has no recommendation to make.

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[Translation.]
No. 296, 1906.—Pitihana a Joseph Torrey ratou ko etahi atu tangata e toru rau e waru tekau ma toru, o Taihape, Utiku, Mangaweka, me Ohingaiti.

E inoi ana nga kai-pitihana kia whakahaerea he tikanga hei arai i nga tangata hoko whenua me nga kai-whakahaere whenua Maori kia mutu ai te hoko i nga whenua Maori, a kia whiriwhiria nga tikanga katoa e whakatuwheratia ai nga whenua Maori kia whakanohonohoia pupututia ki te tangata i runga i te riihi.

Kua whakahaua ahau kia ripoata, i te rnea e pa ana tenei take ki nga tikanga whakahaere (a te Kawanatanga) na reira kaore kau he kupu a te Komiti.