WASTE LANDS COMMITTEE (REPORTS OF).

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1879 Session II, I-08

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Sess. 11.—1879. NEW ZEALAND.

WASTE LANDS COMMITTEE (REPORTS OF).

Presented to the House of Representatives, Session 11. , 1879, and ordered to be printed.

INDEX.

Petitions, etc. page. J. page. A. Jackson, John ...... 2 Adams, Joseph ..... 8 Jervis, George ...... 1 Aitken, Thomas . . . ... 9 Alexandra Corporation Reserve Bill ... 6 K. Auckland Militia, Members of ... 2 Kane, Francis ...... 3 Keith, James H. ..... 8 B. Kerr, James ...... 1 Baddeley, P. C. II. S. . . . . .5 King, Catherine ..... 2 Baird, George, and Others .... 2 Barton, John, and Others . . . • 4 . . Bates, W. IT., Chairman of llolcianga County Council. 4 Lambert, Benjamin Edward .... 7 Black Jane 2 Lambert, Richard Perkins .... 6 Blake,'Richard, and Others . . 8 Land Act 1877 Amendment Bill ... 5 Bluff Harbour Foreshore Endowment Bill . . 4 Land Grants to Discharged Soldiera . . .10 Ljun, James ...... 8 c. M Cairns, Hugh ... . . .8 Macartney, David ! . . . 5 Chairman, Remuneration to the . . .6 jjahon Martin . 4 Chancellor of the New Zealand University . . 4 Marsh ' John 3 Clarkson, James 5 Martin, Mrs. '. '. '. ! .' '. 7 Cleary, Thomas . . . . . 1 Maurice, Rowland 3 Cobb, W., and Others, of the Thames Volunteer Naval Maxwell Thomas 8 rM iBri? d£i ; !"nn '■ r ' i, ' ' I McAnult'y, John" '. '. '. '. 5 Colclough, Charles, and Others, in Cromwell . . 3 McCormick James ■' Corr, John 8 keKeever, William '.'.'.'.'. I Cox, William, and Others . . . .10 McLaren, William 9 MeLaughlin, William . . . . .5 McQueen, Elizabeth, and Familv . . 6 Davenport, James ..... 1 Maylor, Mrs. ...... 6 Discharged Soldiers, Land Grants to . . .10 Millar James S 4 Dixon, William . . . . 8 M illett, Thomas .' .' ." '. '7 Douglas, Edward 10 Mill, William, and Others, of Waikouaiti . . 3 Doyle, Michael 6 Munro, Michael ... 8 Dunwoodie, Joseph 0 Murphy, J. J F- X. Fagg, Peter Pope ..... 9 New Zealand University, Chancellor of the . .4 Fielder, J. B., and Others .... 7 Ngaruawahia, R. R. Hunt and Others of .5 Filmer, William . . . . .8 Norris, Or., and Others, of Auckland . . .8 Finnerty, John . . . . .10 Fitzgerald, John ..... 3 O. O'Brien, John, and Others .... 9 "• Onehunga, Borough Council of ... 2 Goodhill, Charles ..... 3 otago Harbour Board Empowering Bill . . 9 Gordon, Samuel . . . . .5 G-ough, E. ...... 8 p. Grundy, Thomas ..... 4 Patrick, Thomas . . . .3 Palmerston North Reserves Bill . . .6 H- Preston, William ..... 8 Haulen, Alexander ..... 1 Harkins, Hugh ...... 1 Q. Harris, John James ..... 7 Queenstown Racecourse Reserve Bill . . 6 Heath, Patrick ...... 2 Hickey, James ...... 2 R. Hokianga County Council, Chairman of .4 Reid, Henry James . * . .7 Holmes, Benjamin . . . . .10 Reid, William, and Others .... 7 Hood, Benjamin, and Hay, W. M. . .7 Remuneration to the Chairman . . .6 Hunt, R. It., and Others, of Ngaruawahia . . 5 Robertson, George . . . . 4 Hutchison, Daniel ..... 1 Ryan, Simon ■■■.,'. Q

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Petitions, etc. tage. S. page. Treewiek, William, and Others, of Vincent . . 3 Sherson, William . . . . .8 Sites for Working-Men's Clubs Bill ... 9 U. Smith, Joseph Alder ..... 7 Udy, Richard . . . . . .8 Special Powers and Contracts Bill . . .10 Steen, Eliza ...... 3 V. Vincent, William Treewiek, and Others of .3 T. Tarauaki Iron-smelting Works Lands Act 1874 Amend- W. ment Bill ...... 7 Waikouaiti, William Mill and Others of .3 Taylor, James ...... 2 Waitara Harbour Board Land and Borrowing Bill . 4 Thames, Mayor, Councillors, and Burgesses of. . 0 Walker, Sarah Ann . . . . .8 Thames Volunteer NaTal Brigade, Members of .91 Wells, Emma ...... 8 Thompson, Andrew . . . . 5 West Clive Public Hall Site Bill ... 6 Timms, William, and Others . . . 10 j White, Thomas . . . . .8 Travis, James . . . . . 10 i Wilson, Thomas . . . . .9

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Sess. 1L—1879. NEW ZEALAND.

REPORTS OF WASTE LANDS COMMITTEE. (HENRY BUNNY, CHAIRMAN.)

No. 13, Session I. —Petition of George Jervis. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of George Jervis, complaining that he has been unfairly dealt with by Royal Commissioners in connection with an allotment in Westport, has directed me to report that the Committee is of opinion that, as the matter set forth in the petition has already been considered and reported upon by a Royal Commission, it has no recommendation to make. 10th October, 1879.

No. 36, Session I.—Petition of Hugh Harkins. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of Hugh Harkins, relative to a claim to exercise a lapsed remission certificate in the selection of land, has directed me to report that it is of opinion that the petition should be referred to the Government for their consideration. 10th October, 1879.

No. 37, Session I. —Petition of Thomas Cleahy. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of Thomas Cleary, relative to a claim for land in respect of military services, has directed me to report that it is of opinion that the petition should be referred to the Coverninent for consideration. 10th October, 1879.

No. 62, Session I.—Petition of James Kerr. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of James Kerr, relative to the exercise of lapsed Volunteer land scrip, has directed me to report that it has considered the petition, and has no recommendation to make. 10th October, 1879.

No. 63, Session I.—Petition of Daniel Hutchison. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of Daniel Hutchison, praying for a grant of land as a discharged soldier, has directed me to report that it has considered the petition, and that it has no recommendatiou to make. 10th October, 1879.

No. 76, Session I.—Petition of Alexander Hanlen. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of Alexander Hanlen, relative to loss sustained through the non-exercise of land scrip, has directed me to report that it has considered the petition, and that it has no recommendation to make. 10th October, 1879.

No. 80, Session I.—Petition of James Davenport. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of James Davenport, complaining of having been debarred from exercising his Volunteer land scrip, has directed mo to report that it has considered the petition, and that it has no recommendation to make. 10th October, 1879. I—l. 8.

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No. 96, Session I. —Petition of James McCormick. TnE Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of James McCormick, praying that tho recommendation of the Public Petitions Committee of last session re Volunteer land grants be given effect to, has directed me to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petition should bo referred to the Government for their consideration. 10th October, 1879.

No. 134, Session I.—Petition of George Baird and Others. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of George Baird and Others, praying that the rent due by deferred-payment settlers this year may be deferred, has directed me to report that it has considered the petition, and that it has no recommendation to make. 10th October, 1879.

No. 33, Session II. —Petition of James Taylor. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of James Taylor, relative to a claim for a free grant of laud, has directed me to report that it has considered the petition, and has no recommendation to make. 10th October, 1879.

No. 22, Session IL—Petition of Jane Black. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of Jane Black, relative to the exercise of a lapsed land order, has directed me to report that the Committee is of opinion that the claim set forth in this petition should be granted her. 15th October, 1879.

No. 90, Session I.—Petition of Catherine King. The Waste Lauds Committee, to whom was referred the petition of Catherine King, praying for a grant of land on account of services of her former husband, has directed me to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make upon this petition. 15th October, 1879.

No. 28, Session I.—Petition of James Hicket. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of James Hickey, relative to a claim for laud for military services, has directed me to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make upon this petition. 16th October, 1879.

No. US, Session I.—Petition of Patrick Heath. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of Patrick Heath, stating that he has a family of five, and hopes that, as he has not received any land, the House will see its way to assist him, has directed me to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 15th October, 1879.

No. 40, Session I. —Petition of John Jackson. TnE Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of John Jackson, praying for consideration for certain claims, has directed me to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 21st October, 1879.

No. 92, Session I.—Petition of Borough Council of Onehunga. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of the Borough Council of Onehunga, stating that that borough, in accordance with the 350 th section of " The Municipal Corporations Act, 1876," requested that a block of land should be set aside as an endowment for Onehunga, but that the Government gazetted as an endowment a block of land which they had not requested, has directed me to report that the Committee is of opinion that, if the Council gives up all claim to the land so gazetted, they should be allowed to recommend that another block of land should be set aside as an endowment. 21st October, 1879.

No. 102, Session I. —Petition of Members of Auckland Militia. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of the members of the Auckland Militaa, praying for land scrip for services during the war, has directed me to report that the Committee ■has -no recommendation to make on this petition, gist October, 1879.

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No. 104, Session I. —Petition of Francis Kane. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of Francis Kane, praying for a grant of land for military services, has directed me to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make upon this petition. 21st October, 1879.

No. 108, Session I. —Petition of Cuarles Goodhue. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of Charles Goodhue, praying that he be allowed to purchase certain land on deferred payment, has directed me to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 21st October, 1879.

No. 30, Session II. —Petition of Thomas Patrick. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of Thomas Patrick, relative to a claim for land as a discharged soldier, has directed me to report that the Committee is of opinion that the request of the petitioner should be granted, and be included in the Bill to be brought iii similar to the one passed last year, intituled the Special Powers and Contracts Act. 21st October, 1879.

No. 72, Session ll.—Petition of JonN Fitzgerald. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of John Fitzgerald, praying for a grant of sixty acres of land he considers he is entitled to, has directed me to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for their favourable consideration. 21st October, 1879.

No. 5, Session II. —Petition of Rowland Maurice. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of Rowland Maurice, praying for a free grant of land as an immigrant paying passage-money, has directed me to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petitioner should, if he think fit, petition again next session. 29th October, 1879.

No. 84, Session ll.—Petition of William Mill and Others, of Waikouaiti. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of AVm. Mill and others, of Waikouati, praying that the unsold land of the Commonage Reserve may be vested in trustees as an endowment for the benefit of the town, has directed me to report that the Committee is of opinion that the Government should be recommended to give effect to the prayer of the petition in as far as existing Acts permit, for all unsold portion of the commonage east of Kirkwall and Wick Streets; and, further, that the part of the recreation reserve not required for railway purposes should also be vested in trustees. 29th October, 1879.

No. 98, Session I.—Petition of William Teeewick and Others, of Vincent. TnE Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of Wm. Treewick and others, of Vincent, praying that the upset price of deferred-payment land may be reduced, has directed me to report that, the Committee recommends that the body of the petition be printed. 30th October, 1879.

No. 65, Session ll.—Petition of John Marsh. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of John Marsh, relative to the proposed narrowing of a street by the Corporation of Cromwell, has directed me to report that the Committee is of opinion that, in the event of the Borough Council of Cromwell offering for sale any portion of tho street line in Melmore Terrace, or taking auy overt action to diminish tho width of such terrace, the Government be recommended to take action through the Law Officers of the Crown to protect the public rights, the said street or terrace being the great and only highway available for traffic between Dunedin and the interior districts of Otago. 30th October, 1879.

No. 79, Session ll.—Petition of Eliza Steen. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of Eliza Steen, claiming grant of land or compensation in respect of uuassisted immigration, has directed me to report that the Committee is of opinion that it does not see its way to alter the decision arrived at by the Waste Lands Committee last year. 30th October, 1879.

No. 82, Session I.—Petition of Charles Colclougu and Others, in Cromwell. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of Charles Colclough and others, in Cromwell, praying that certain provisions may be inserted in tho Crown grants to be issued to the

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Corporation of Cromwell, has directed me to report that the Committee is of opinion that there would be no legal power to insert in the Crown grants any such conditions as the petitioners desire. 31st October, 1879.

No. 23, Session II. —Petition of John Barton and Others. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of John Barton and others, praying for compensation for loss of sections at Hokitika, has directed me to report that the Committee recommends that the Government be requested to place on the estimates a sum not exceeding £400 as a settlement for their claims. 31st October, 1879.

No. 133, Session II. —Petition of W. H. Bates, Chairman, Hokianga County Council. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of W. H. Bates, Chairman, Hokianga County Council, recommending that special settlers should be located on certain lands for the purpose of establishing vineyards, has directed me to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petition should be referred to the Government for their consideration. 31st October, 1879.

The Bluff Harbour Foreshore Endowment Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Bill intituled " The Bluff Harbour Foreshore Endowment Act, 1879," has the honor to report that it has gone through the Bill, and recommends that the same be passed without amendment. 31st October, 1879.

No. 109, Session I.—Petition of James S. Millar. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of James S. Millar, praying for inquiry into the cause of certain land orders not having been honored, has directed me to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petitioner has no claim. 4th November, 1879.

No. 81, Session II. —Petition of Martin Mahon. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of Martin Mahon, complaining that he has not received his remission certificate as a volunteer, has directed me to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petitioner has no claim. 4th November, 1879.

The Waitara Harbour Board Land and Borrowing Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred "The Waitara Harbour Board Land and Borrowing Act, 1579," has directed me to report that it has gone through the Bill, and recommends that the same be passed without any amendments. sth November, 1879.

No. 76, Session ll.—Petition of George Roiseetson. TnE Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of George Robertson, praying for a grant of land as a discharged soldier, has directed me to report that the Committee recommends that the prayer of the petitioner be granted, and included in the Bill to be brought in similar to the one passed last year, entitled the Special Powers and Contracts Act. 12th November, 1879.

No. 122, Session ll.—Petition of the Chancellor of the New Zealand University. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of the Chancellor of the New Zealand University, relative to the University reserves, and asking that they may be utilized, has directed me to report: — 1. That, in the opinion of the Committee, the Government should introduce a Bill for the purpose of placing the reserves set aside for the New Zealand University under the control aud management of trustees or such other body as wiil secure the immediate application of the reserves to their proper purpose. 2. That provision should be taken in the proposed Bill to extend the time given in " The University Reserves Act, 1875," for defining the boundaries of the Waitotara Reserve. 3. And, further, that, in reference to the part of the petition relating to an endowment of 30,000 acres in Auckland, the Committee recommends the Government to take this matter into their favourable consideration. 14th November, 1879.

No. 113, Session I.—Petition of Thomas Grundy. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of Thomas Grundy, relative to a remission certificate for land, has directed me to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make upon this petition. 14th November, 1879.

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No. 151, Session ll. —Petition of Andrew Thompson. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of Andrew Thompson, relative to grievances suffered through the Government not carrying out promises, has directed me to report that the Committee is of opinion that, as this petition has been dealt with and reported on by the Public Petitions Committee in 1877, the Committee does not see its way to alter the decision arrived at by that Committee —namely, that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 14th November, 1879.

No. 143, Session II. —Petition of William McKeever. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of William McKeever, praying for a grant of land as a military settler, has directed me to report that the Committee is of opinion that, as this petition has been dealt with and reported on by the Public Petitions Committee in 1877, the Committee does not see its way to alter the decision arrived at by that Committee—namely, that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 14th November, 1879.

No. 193, Session II. —Petition of William McLaughlin. TnE Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of William McLaughlin, praying for a reissue of land order, has directed me to report that the Committee is of opinion that, as this petition has been dealt with and reported on by the Public Petitions Committee in 1877, the Committee does not see its way to alter the decision arrived at by that Committee—namely, that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 14th November, 1879.

The Land Act 1877 Amendment Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to w-hom stands referred a Bill intituled " The Land Act 1877 Amendment Act, 1879," has directed me to report that it has gone through the Bill, and recommends that it be passed with the amendments as shown in the copy of the Bill accompanying this report. 14th November, 1879.

No. 4, Session ll.—Petition of James Clarkson. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of James Clarkson, praying for a free grant of land as an immigrant paying passage-money, has directed me to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 14th November, 1879.

No. 103, Session ll.—Petition of F. C. 11. S. Baddeley. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of F. C. H. S. Baddeley, relative to a claim to land as a retired military officer, has directed me to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petitioner has no claim. 21st November, 1879.

No. 121, Session II. —Petition of John McAnulty. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of John McAnulty, showing his claim to a grant of land, has directed me to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petitioner has no claim. 21st November, 1879.

No. 127, Session ll.—Petition of Samuel Gordon. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of Samuel Gordon, prayin°- for a grant of land, has directed me to report that the Committeu has no recommendation to mak upon this petition. 21st November, 1879.

No. 140, Session ll.—Petition of David Macartnei. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of David Macartney, for a grant of hind as a discharged soldier, has directed me to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petitioner has no claim. 21st November, 1879.

No. 150, Session ll.—Petition of R. R. Hunt and Others, of Ngaruawahia. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom w-as referred the petition of R. R. Hunt aud others, of Ngaruawahia, praying that the suburban lands of the Township of Ngaruawahia be put up to auction, has directed me to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 21st November, 1879.

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No. 199, Session ll.—Petition of Mrs. Meyloe. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of Mrs. Meylor, praying that she may be compensated for the land her husband was entitled to on his discharge, has directed me to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petitioner has no claim. 21st November, 1879.

The Queenstown Racecourse Reserve Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Bill intituled the Queenstown Racecourse Reserve Bill, has the honor to report that it has gone through the Bill, and recommends that it be passed without any amendment. 21st November, 1879.

No. 107, Session II. —Petition of Elizabeth McQueen and Family. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of Elizabeth McQueen and family, praying for redress under the Immigrants Land Act, has directed me to report that the Committee is of opinion that the report brought up on this petition by the Waste Lands Committee last session should be given effect to —namely, " That, iv the opinion of the Committee, advantage should not be taken of the failure of the petitioners to register their claims within sixty days after arrival, and that scrip to the amount of £90 should be issued to them tinder the provisions of ' The Immigrants Land Act, 1873.'" 21st November, 1879.

The Alexandra Corporation Reserve Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Bill intituled " The Alexandra Corporation Reserve Act, 1879," has the honor to report that it has gone through the Bill, and recommends that it be passed without any amendment. 21st November, 1879.

No. 149, Session ll.—Petition of Joseph Dunwoodie. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of Joseph Dunwoodie, relative to land scrip accidentally burned, has directed me to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 24th November, 1879.

No. 182, Session II. —Petition of Richard Perkins Lambert. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of Richard Perkins Lambert, praying for relief, he having failed to procure a land order before leaving England for New Zealand, has directed me to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petitioner has no claim. 24th November, 1879.

No. 237, Session ll.—Petition of Michael Doyle. TnE Waste Lands Committee, to w-hom w-as referred the petition of Michael Doyle, praying for land which was promised him as an unassisted immigrant, has directed me to report that the Committee is of opinion that, in the absence of any evidence to show that the petitioner had made any application for the land or complied with the necessary conditions, the petitioner has no claim. 24th November, 1879.

The Palmerston North Reserves Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred a Bill intituled the Palmerston North Reserves Bill, has the honor to report that it has gone through the Bill, and recommends that it be passed without any amendment. 24th November, 1879.

The West Clive Public Hall Site Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred a Bill intituled the West Clive Public Hall Site Bill, has the honor to report that it has gone through the Bill, and recommends that it be passed without any amendment. 26th November, 1879.

Remuneration to the Chairman. The Waste Lands Committee has the honor to report that, at a meeting of the Committee held this day, the following resolution was agreed to : " That, in consequence of the large and increasing amount of business referred to the VVaste Lands Committee, the Committee is of opinion that the same remuneration should bo allowed to the Chairman as in tho case of the Chairmen of the Native Affairs and the Public Petitions Committees, and that this resolution be referred to the Government." 2Sth November, 1879.

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No. 119, Session II. —Petition of Joseph Alder Smith. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of Joseph Alder Smith, relative to a grant of land to which he says he is entitled, has directed me to report that, as the petitioner served in the Wairoa Rifles, which were in the field on regular pay, the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 28th November, 1879.

Nos. 120 and 132, Session ll.—Petitions of Benjamin Hood and W. M. Hay. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petitions of Benjamin Hood and W. M. Hay, praying for grants of land as discharged soldiers, has directed me to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petitioners have no claim. 28th November, 1879.

No. 189, Session ll.—Petition of Benjamin Edward Lambert. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom w-as referred the petition of Benjamin Edward Lambert, relative to a remission certificate as a discharged soldier, has directed me to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 28th November, 1879.

No. 194, Session II. —Petition of Henry James Reid. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of Henry James Reid, praying for a grant of land as a discharged soldier, has directed me to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petitioner is entitled to eighty acres of land. 28th November, 1879.

No. 213, Session ll.—Petition of Thomas Millett. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of Thomas Millett, praying for a grant of laud as an unassisted immigrant, has directed me to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make upon this petition. 28th November, 1879.

No. 234, Session ll.—Petition of J. B. Fielder and Others. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of J. B. Fielder and others, relative to free grants as military settlers, has directed me to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petitioners have no claim. 28th November, 1879.

No. 235, Session ll.—Petition of William Reid and Others. The Waste Lands Committee, to w-hoin was referred the petition of William Reid and others, praying that the allotments in the Town of Cambridge, now held by the Government, may be offered for sale, has directed me to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petitioners should apply to the Land Board of Auckland. 28th November, 1879.

No. 250, Session. IL—Petition, of Mrs. Martin. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of Mrs. Martin, praying for a grant of land, to which she says she is entitled as an immigrant under the Wakefield Company, has directed me to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petitioner has no claim. 28th November, 1879.

No. 252, Session ll.—Petition of John James Harris. TnE Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of John James Harris, prayin" for permission to purchase fifteen acres of land near Roxburgh, has directed me to report that the Committee is of opinion that this is a matter which should be referred to the Land Board of Ota^o 28th November, 1879.

Taranaki leon-Sjielting Works Lands Act 1874 Amendment Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Bill intituled " The Taranaki Iron-Smeltin"-Works Lands Act 1874 Amendment Act, 1879," having examined witnesses, and after careful consideration, has the honor to report that it has agreed to the following resolutions : — 1. That "The Taranaki Iron-Smelting Works Lands Act, 1874," gave the New Zealand Titanic Steel and Iron Company the right to purchase 5,000 acres of land upon certain conditions. 2. That a portion of the land selected in accordance with the Act was found, upon actual survey to be less than that indicated by the said Act, and that an equal quantity was selected in another place. 3. That the present Bill is intended to validate the selection, and to enable the 5,000 acres indicated in the Act to be granted. 4. That a Crown grant for the 5,000 acres, selected in the way proposed to be validated, has for some time been made out.

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5. That the Bill does not deal with any land exceeding the area of the land proposed to be granted by the Act of 1874, and that it is of a technical nature. 6. That the preamble has been substantiated by evidence, and that, in the opinion of the Committee, the Bill, as amended, should pass. 2nd December. 1879.

No. 93, Session ll.—Petition of James H. Keith. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of James H. Keith, complaining that he was induced to emigrate by a promise of land, which he has not received, has directed me to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 3rd December, 1879.

No. 24, Session ll.—Petition of Michael Muneo. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of Michael Munro, praying for a grant of land as a discharged soldier, has directed me to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 3rd December, 1879.

Nos. 111, 152, 153, 154, 208, 209, and 210, Session ll.—Petitions of James Linn; Joseph Adams; William Preston ; Thomas Maxwell ; Thomas White ; E. Gough ; and J. J. Murphy. TnE Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petitions of James Lynn; Joseph Adams ; William Preston ; Thomas Maxwell; Thomas White ;E. Gough ; and J. J. Murphy, praying for land as Volunteers, has directed me to report that, in consequence of the terms of " The Volunteers and Others Lands Act, 1877," not having been understood by Volunteers having claims, and their applications not having been sent in in time, the Committee recommends the Government to introduce a Bill for the purpose of extending the time in which scrip may be exercised under the 3rd section of " The Waste Lands Administration Act, 1876," to the end of December, 1880. 3rd December, 1879.

No. 195, Session ll.—Petition of G. Norris and Others, of Auckland. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of G. Norris and others, of Auckland, relative to setting apart certain lands for special settlement, has directed me to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition be referred to the Government for their favourable consideration. 3rd December, 1879.

No. 227, Session ll.—Petition of Richard Blake and Others. TnE Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of Richard Blake and others, praying that certain lands be set apart for occupation under the homestead system, has directed me to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition be referred to the Government for their favourable consideration. 3rd December, 1879.

No. 256, Session ll. —Petition of Emma Wells. TnE Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of Emma Wells, praying for relief, she bavin" failed to exercise her late husband's land scrip within the proper time, has directed me to report that the Committee is of opinion that the sum of thirty-five pounds (£35) should be placed upon the estimates for the benefit of petitioner. 4th December, 1879.

Nos. 267, 327, 334, 338, and 339, Session II. —Petitions of AVilltam Sheeson ; Hugh Caiens ; Richaed Udy ; William Filmer; and William Dixon. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petitions of William Sherson ; Hugh Cairns; Richard Udy ; William Filmer; aud William Dixon, praying for land as Volunteers, has directed me to report that the Committee recommends that these petitions be included amongst those reported upon by the Committee to the effect that the Government should extend the time in which land scrip may be exercised. 4th December, 1879.

No. 311, Session ll.—Petition of Sarah Ann Walker. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of Sarah Ann Walker, asking for a Crown grant for certain land, has directed me to report that the Committee is of opinion that, in the absence of any evidence to the contrary, petitioner is entitled to a Crown grant, and recommends that the same be granted her. 4th December, 1879.

No. 323, Session ll.—Petition of John Core. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of John Corr, relative to a grant of

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land to which he says he is entitled, has directed me to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petitioner has no claim. 4th December, 1879. __

No. 328, Session II. —Petition of William McLaren. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of William McLaren, complaining of certain action of the Waste Lands Board of Otago, has directed me to report that the Committee is of opinion that this is a matter which should be referred to the Waste Lands Board of Otago, in order that they may deal with it. 4th December, 1879.

No. 61, Session I.—Petition of Thomas Wilson. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of Thomas Wilson, complaining that land which he bought from the Crown grantee had been previously granted to another person, has directed me to report that the Committee is of opinion that this is a matter which should be dealt with by the Waste Lands Board of Auckland. 4th December, 1879.

No. 75, Session I.—Petition of Thomas Aitken. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of Thomas Aitken, relative to loss sustained through the burning of land scrip, has directed me to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make upon this petition. 4th December, 1879.

No. 291, Session ll.—Petition of Simon Ryan. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of Simon Ryan, praying for a grant of land as a discharged soldier, has directed me to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 9th December, 1879.

No. 329, Session ll.—Petition of the Mayor, Councillors, and Burgesses of the Thames. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of the Mayor, Councillors, and Burgesses of the Thames, praying that the Thames foreshore may be granted to them as promised, has directed me to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petitioners have no claim. 9th December, 1879.

TnE Sites for Working-Men's Clubs Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Bill intituled the Sites for Working-Men's Clubs Act, has the honor to report that it has gone through the Bill, and recommends that the same be passed without any amendment. 11th December, 1879.

The Otago Harbour Board Empowering Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Bill intituled the Otago Harbour Board Empowering Act, has the honor to report that the Committee has gone through the Bill, and recommends that the same be passed with the amendment shown on the attached copy. 11th December, 1879. .

No. 325, Session ll.—Petition of Peter Pope Fagg. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of Peter Pope Fagg, relative to the withholding of the title to a deferred-payment section, has directed me to report that, in the absence of any evidence supporting the allegations set forth in the petition, the Committee has no recommendation to make on the petition. 11th December, 1879.

No. 362, Session ll.—Petition of W. Cobb and Others, of the Thames Volunteer Naval Brigade. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of W. Cobb and others, of the Thames Volunteer Naval Brigade, relative to the exercise of Volunteer scrip, has directed me to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 11th December, 1879.

No. 368, Session ll. —Petition of John O'Brien and Others. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of John O'Brien and others, praying that land may be set apart for settlement at Hyde, Otago, has directed me to report that the land in question was a reserve set aside for education purposes, and that this is the alleged reason w-hy the Waste Lands Board of Otago do not deal with the petition; and the Committee recommends that this petition be referred to the Government for their immediate consideration. 11th December, 1879. 2—l. 8.

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No. 374, Session ll. —Petition of James Travis. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of James Travis, relative to the wrongful sale of a portion of his residence area, has directed me to report that, as the Government have undertaken to make inquiries into the matter, the Committee is of opinion that this petition should be referred to tho Government. 11th December, 1879.

No. 377, Session IL—Petition of Benjamin Holmes. The AVaste Lauds Committee, to whom was referred the petition of Benjamin Holmes, stating that, as his discharge as a soldier was wrongly worded, he failed to obtain land, has directed me to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 11th December, 1879.

"The Special Powers and Contracts Act, 1879." The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Bill intituled the Special Powers and Contracts Act, has the honor to report that it has gone through the Bill, and recommends that the same be passed with the amendments shown in the attached copy. 11th December, 1879.

No. 215, Session ll.—Petition of Edward Douglas. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of Edward Douglas, praying for compensation for services rendered, has directed me to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petitioner has no claim. 11th December, 1879.

No. 384, Session ll.—Petition of William Timms and Others. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred tho petition of AVilliams Timms and others, praying for land as discharged soldiers, has directed mo to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 15th December, 1879.

No. 387, Session II. —Petition of William Cox and Others. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of AVilliam Cox and others, relative to land settlement in Hawke's Bay, has directed me to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for their consideration. 15th December, 1879.

No. 393, Session II. —Petition of John Finnertv. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of John Finnerty, stating that he has not received his remission certificate as a discharged soldier, and praying for relief, has directed me to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition, loth December, 1879.

5 Land Grants to Discharged Soldiers of tue Imperial Service. The Waste Lands Committee has directed me to report that, in reference to the petitions presented during the present session from discharged soldiers of the Imperial service in the colony, for grants of land to which they claim to bo entitled, the Committee is of opinion,— 1. That the claims of soldiers discharged in the colony should be recognized where at any time the claimants have been entitled to grants of land, but, through informality or ignorance of the regulations, failed to comply with the conditions. 2. That where the bona fides of a claim shall have been established, a grant of sixty (60) acres of land should be awarded in such manner as the Minister of Lands may determine. 3. That the Government should bring in a Bill to give effect to the foregoing resolutions during the next session of Parliament. 15th December, 1879. _^_____ *

By Authority: Geoege Didsbuey, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB7o. Price od.]