I.—3a.

1898. NEW ZEALAND.

NATIVE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE. THE NATIVE LANDS SETTLEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION BILL (REPORT ON), TOGETHER WITH PETITIONS AND MINUTES OF EVIDENCE. (Mr. R.M. HOUSTON, CHAIRMAN.)

Brought up on the 3rd November, 1898, and ordered to be printed in English and Maori.

OKDEK OP REFERENCE. Extract from the Journals of the House of Representatives. Tuesday, the 20th Day of Septembeb, 1898. Ordered, " That the Native Lands Settlement and Administration Bill be referred to the Native Affairs Committee."—(Right Hon. R. J. Seddon.)

KEPOBT. The Native Lands Settlement and Administration Bill. The Native Affairs Committee, to whom was referred the above-mentioned Bill, have directed me to report that, after taking evidence at considerable length from Natives, representatives from all parts of the colony, in reference to the questions involved, it is found impossible, at this late period of the session, to give due consideration to the measure ; it is therefore recommended that the Bill be allowed to stand over till next session, and in the meantime all evidence taken in connection therewith be printed. B. M. Houston, Chairman. 3rd November, 1898. [For Bill, see Appendices.]

PETITIONS. Nos. 342, 367, 368, 369, 370, 371, and 379.—Petitions of Tamahau Mahupuku and 3,367 Others, Tawake Pine and 9 Others, Eaubi Kepa and 29 Others, Hiea Ihaia and 49 Others, Timi Waata Bimini and 71 Others, Hieaka te Bango and 6 Others, Matuha Enoka and 71 Others. Petitionees approve of the Native Lands Settlement and Administration Bill, and pray that it may be adopted, with certain amendments passed by the great assembly of Maoris at Papawai on the 20th June, 1898. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that these petitions be referred to the Government for consideration. 3rd November, 1898. E. M. Houston, Chairman.

No. 342 (Bight Hon. Mr. Seddon). Referred direct to Native Affairs Committee as petition, 30th September, 1898. To the Eight Hon. Mr. Seddon, Native Minister. Gbeeting. We, the undersigned, whose names and marks are affixed hereto, approve and support the Bill and the amendments finally passed on the 20th June, 1898, by the great assembly of Maori chiefs of New Zealand, and we pray you to consider and adopt these amendments and new clauses to your Bill. Sufficient. God save the Queen. Tamahau Mahupuku and 3,367 Others. Similar petitions to above: Nos. 367, 368, 369, 370, 371, and 379.—Petitions of Tawake Pine and 9 Others, Bawiei Kbpa and 29 Others, Hiea Ihaia and 49 Others, Timi Waat-a Eimini and 71 Others, Hieaka te Eango and 6 Others, Matuha Enoka and 71 Others. Total number of signatures to petitions in favour of Bill, 3,609. I—l. 3a.