Nos. 578, 579.—Petitions of Heni te Auraki and 9 Others and Heni Tipuna and 29 Others.

Petitioners pray for the setting-aside or suspension of the judgment of the Privy Council in regard to Rangatira No. 2 and Waingaromia Nos. 2 and 3 until a Royal Commission shall have reported thereon, with a view to legislation.

I am directed to report that, owing to the approaching close of the session and to the impossibility of counsel engaged in connection with these petitions being able to attend, the Committee has decided to postpone consideration thereof until nest session, but desires to present an interim report to the House.

The Committee, without expressing any opinion on the merits of the said petitions, understands that proceedings are being taken by the successful litigants to recover the costs incurred in the various actions. The Committee considers that by these proceedings, though perfectly legal, some Natives may be placed in a considerably worse position than others. The Committee therefore recommends the Government to make full inquiry into the matter, and, if possible, to make some arrangement by which the costs may be paid equally by all the Natives concerned and liable.