No. 791 (1907).—Petition of Gertrude E. Meinertzhagen re Waimarama Block.

Petitioner prays for the removal of the technical objection of Native Land Acts, to stop litigation and to confirm leases executed by the Native owners.

I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that this petition be referred to the Government for consideration, with a strong recommendation that legislation be introduced to give relief to lessees under section 16 of "The Maori Land Settlement Act, 1905," who did not make declarations under section 26 of "The Maori Lands Administration Act, 1900," prior to the execution of such leases, subject to proper provisions to restrict the area of any lease, to be approved of by any Land Board, to the areas specified in section 26 of "The Maori Lands Administration Act, 1900," as amended by section 15 of the amending Act, 1905, and for the protection of any valid interests which may have been acquired by the Crown or any person prior to the grant of such approval.