1.—2 c

1877. NEW ZEALAND.

PUBLIC PETITIONS COMMITTEE.

REPORT ON FOUR PETITIONS OF BESIDENTS OF HAWKE'S BAT, RELATIVE TO THE TE AUTE ESTATE, TOGETHER WITH MINUTES OF EVIDENCE.

424. Petition of 100 Inhabitants of the Town of Napier. 446. Petition of 144 Residents of Hawke's Bay. 450. Petition of J. W. Humphrey and 59 other Residents from District of Hawke's Bay. 451. Petition of C. W. Robinson and 59 other Residents Hawke's Bay.

The Petitioners state that a block of land, at Te Aute, containing 2383 acres, was granted for the benefit of the aboriginal inhabitants of New Zealand; and a second block adjoining, containing 1626 acres, was granted for the education of the children of Her Majesty's subjects of both races. That the land is held by the llev. S. Williams, under lease (which will expire in Feb., 1878), at a rental of £500. That the estate will yield a much greater rental if let by tender, or cut up into smaller lots and let on long leases. That they are informed that it is the intention of the Trustees to grant a fresh lease of the land to the Rev. S. Williams, at an inadequate rental. They represent that the management of the school, supported by the endowment, has not been satisfactory, and they pray for inquiry into tbe matter. The Committee, having made inquiry into the case of the petitioners, have directed me to report that the Committee are satisfied that the management of the Te Aute Estate has been, hitherto, such as to improve its value. They recommend that in the interest of education, it should be so dealt with for the future as to produce the largest immediate revenue without detriment to the ultimate value of the property; and that every letting should be by public auction or public tender. THOMAS KELLY, sth Dec., 1877- Chairman.