No. 149 of 1880.—Petition of Nui Hare and 57 Others.

Petitioners state that they represent the Ngatihere and part of the Ngatitupato hapus; that in 1876 they arranged for the survey of the Tapuwai Block, Hokianga; that in 1878 Mr. Preece, Land Purchase Commissioner, urged petitioners to sell their land to the Government, but that they refused; that, notwithstanding such refusal, Mr. Preece paid £100 to a slave named William Puriri on account of the land, though the said Puriri had no title to the land; that the land was put into Court, when the petitioners attended and protested against the proceedings, but without effect; that petitioners were awarded half the block, but warned the authorities against paying the money to any claimants till they could get a rehearing; that, in spite of that protest, £500 was paid to strangers; that within three months application was made to Chief Judge Fenton, in Auckland, for a rehearing, which was granted; that a rehearing was held this year, but under Judge Monro, who had sat in the first Court; that Judge Monro simply called upon petitioners to give names to be placed in the Crown grant, which they refused to do, though the Judge frequently told them that otherwise he would dismiss their claims; that since that time they had refused to allow a survey to be made.

They pray for a new trial by a new Judge, or for relief in some other manner.

I am directed to report as follows:—

That the land referred to seems to have been fairly dealt with by the Court; that the petitioners received as their share of the land 3,147 acres; that the other claimants received a similar amount; page 35and there is a joint reserve of 2,080 acres. The Government is, however, recommended to make inquiry as soon as possible into any alleged grievance of the Natives, with a view to a remedy if any be required.