REPORTS OF WASTE LANDS COMMITTEE.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1880 Session I, I-04

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REPORTS OF WASTE LANDS COMMITTEE.

Presented to the House of Representatives, and ordered to oe printed.

INDEX. A.. PETITIONS, ETC. M. PAGE petitions, etc. page Ivlacdonald, A. A. K. ... ... ... 2 Allison, John, and Others ... ... ... 5 Marshall, George ... ... ... 4 Maurice, Rowland ... ... ... 6 g McClatchio and Talbot ... ... ... 3 McCoubi'ie, Thomas, and Others ... ... 4 Biggs, Thomas Herbert .. ... ... 3 McDonald, James ... ... ... 1 Black, Thomas, and Others, of Southland ... 3 Mclntyre, James 5 Bogle, William ... ... ... ... 2 McLougli'lin', William .'.'. '.'.'. Z. 3 Boland, Michael ... ... ... 5 McNaraara, John ... ... ... 4 Brennan Patrick ... ... ... 1 Molloy, Patrick ... ... ... 2 Bruce, Robert ... .. ... ■•• 1 Murray, William, and Others (No. 1) ... ... 3 Byars, Alexander, and Others (for Evidence vide 1-4 a.) 2 Murray, William, and Others (No. 2) ... ... 5 Byrne, Edward ... ... ... 3 J ■ J- Oamaru Harbour Board Bill ... ... 2 Crawford, Samuel, and Others ... ... 1 Oamaru Harbour Board Empowering Bill ... 2 Crozier, William ... ... ... 3 D. Pearn, J. S., and Others ... ... ... 6 Davidson, James, and 188 Others ... ... 4 Popham James and Others (for Evidence «i e 1.-4 A.) 2 Davidson James and 192 Others 4 £° rt Ohdtawr■ DrilUhedßill 5 Deferred-paymentSettlers,Otago(forEvidencemy e l.-4.A)2 Powe!l- William, and Others, of Raglan ... 6 Dennett, William, and Others ... ... 4 p Douglas, Edward ... ... ... 3 Raglan Road District, W. Powell and Others, of ... 6 Doyle, JYlicnael ... ... ... l Reichedt, P. W., and Others (for Evidence vide 1.--4 A.) 2 ■ci Reid, Bernard, and Others ... ... ... 1 Robjohn, Henry, Charles ... ... ... 2 Erame, James ... ... ... ... 3 Rymer, George ... ... ... 4 G. S. Gapper Thomas ... ... ... 2 ' Sernple, John, and Others (for Evidence vide 1.-4 a.) 2 Green, Charles Hooper ... ... !'.. 5 Sherwood, G. P., and 526 Others ... .., 4 Green, Thomas, and Others (for Evidence vide 1.-4 A.) 2 Special Powers and Contracts Bill ... ... 5 Guthrie, Robert ... ... ... 2 Spencer, Montgomerie, and Others ... ... 5 Springall, Percy H oel ... ... ... 5 H, Stewart, Thomas ... ... ... 1 TT ,• t i o St. George, George ... ... 2 £££$ (Second Report) Z Z 5 Strong, George 4 T Td- Talbot and McClatchie ... ... ... 3 Jackson's Bay Settlement Bill ... ... 5 Talby, Patrick ... ... ... 3 Jervis, George ... ... ... ... 3 Taranaki Iron-smelting Works Lands Act 1874 Jones, J. P., and Others, of Dunedin ... ... 2 Amendment Bill ... ... ... 4 Jones, Samuel ... ... ... ... 4 Taylor, James, and Others ... ... ... 3 Joseph, Antonio ... ... ... 2 K. Vincent, Samuel ... ~. ... 3 Kennedy, Denis ... ... ... 3 -rn&S7 3 Walmsley, James, and 11 Others 4 v . fA a n, '" o Wanganui Harbour and River Conservators Board Jtinkaae, Arthur ... ... ... d Grant 8U1... ... ... ... 4 t Wilson, Mackenzie ... ~. ... ;i Wilson, Thomas ... ... ... 3 Lake, Thomas ... ... ... ... 1 Lavender, H., and Others ... ... ... 3 Y. Loftus, Peter ... ~. ~. ... 3 Young, Joseph ... ... ... 1

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No. 14. —Petition of Michael Doyle. The "Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of Michael Doyle, has directed me to report that, as the petitioner has not produced further evidence than that laid before the Committee last session, the Committee does not see its way to alter the decision arrived at last session. 9th June, 1880.

No. 20.—Petition of Joseph Young. The "Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of Joseph Young, has directed me to report that the Committee is of opinion that the land be granted petitioner, provided the Government can attach a provision of settlement for three years. 9th June, 1880.

No. 3. —Petition of Samuel Crawford and Others. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the petition of Samuel Crawford and others, has directed me to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petitioners have no claim. 9th June, 1880.

No. 27.—Petition of Thomas Lake. The petitioner prays for a grant of land for services rendered at the Poverty Bay massacre. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petitioner has no claim. 16th June, 1880.

No. 29.—Petition of James McDonald. The petitioner prays for a grant of land as a discharged soldier. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petitioner has no claim. 16th June, 1880.

No. 35. —Petition of Thomas Stewabt. The petitioner prays for a grant of land as a member of the Colonial Defence Force. I am directed to report that, as the Committee dealt with this petition last year, it does not see any reason why the question should be reopened. 16th June, 1880.

No. 38.—Petition of Eobeet Bbttce. The petitioner prays that redress may be afforded him for the non-issue of a grant of forty acres of land to which he became entitled as a Volunteer in active service. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petitioner has no claim. 16th June, 1880.

No. 39. —Petition of Bebnaed Reid and Others. The petitioners pray for relief re deferred-payment sections. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petitioners' prayer be not entertained. 16th June, 1880.

No. 48. —Petition of Patbick Bbenitan. The petitioner complains that lie has not received land in accordance with an agreement entered into with him by the Government. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petitioner has no claim. 17th June, 1880. I—l. 4.

1880. NEW ZEALAND. REPORTS OF THE WASTE LANDS COMMITTEE. (ME, H. BUNNY, CHAIKMAK)

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No. 51.—Petition of Mackenzie Wilson. The petitioner prays that he may receive a grant of land as an immigrant under the forty-acre land system of Auckland. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petitioner has no claim. 17th June, 1880.

No. 52.—Petition of George St. Geobge. The petitioner prays for a grant of land at Waitara, to which he states he is entitled. 1 am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that any claim the petitioner may ever have had has lapsed long ago. 17th June, 1880.

Oamaetj Habboijr Boakd Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Bill intituled the Oamaru Harbour Board Act, has directed me to report that the Committee has gone through the Bill, and recommends that the same be passed with the amendments shown on the attached copy. 17th June, 1880.

Otago Harbour Boabd Empowering Bill The "Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Bill intituled the Otago Harbour Board Empowering Act, has directed me to report that the Committee has gone through the Bill, and recommends that the same be passed with the amendments shown on the attached copy. 22nd June, 1880.

Nos. 64, 77, and 76. —■ Petitions of Robert Guthkie, Thomas Gappek, and A. A. K. Macdonald. The petitioners pray for grants of land to which they state they are entitled. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that any claim the petitioners may ever have had has lapsed long ago. 22nd June, 1880.

No. 79. —Petition of Patrick Molloy. The petitioner prays that he may be allowed to select land in respect of a naval and military land order. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the land be granted petitioner, provided the Government can attach a provision of settlement for three years. 22nd June, 1880.

No. 72.—Petition of J. P. Jones and Others, of Dunedin. The petitioners petition relative to harbour reclamation works at Dunedin. I am directed to report that the Committee does not see its way to interfere with the action taken by the Government in this matter. 24th June, 1880.

No. 80.—Petition of Joseph Hastie. The petitioner petitions relative to a claim to exercise scrip under " The Pensioners Claims Act, 1861." I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that, if the petitioner has ever had any claim, the same has lapsed through his own negligence. 24th June, 1880. _

No. 85. —Petition of Antonto Joseph. The petitioner prays for gone slight recompense in land in respect of services rendered to the colony. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that any claim for land the petitioner may ever have had has lapsed through his own neglect. 25th June, 1880.

Nos. 40, 43, 61, 94, and 95. —Petitions of James Popham and Others, Alexander Byars and Others, John Semple and Others, Thomas Green and Others, and P. W. Heichedt and Others. Petitioners pray that measures may be taken to alleviate the distress of deferred-payment settlers. I am directed to report that, while the Committee fully recognizes the hardship of the position of the petitioners, it is of opinion that compliance with their request would be open to the most grave objection, as setting up a dangerous precedent, the possible application of which might lead to general repudiation. The Committee is therefore of opinion that the law should take its course, and that the land might be dealt with in some such way as that indicated in the evidence of the Surveyor-General 30th June, 1880.

Nos. 88 and 89. —Petitions of Henry Chables Robjohn and William Bogle. The petitioners petition relative to certain lands taken by the Government. I am directed to report that, having heard the statement of the Hon. the Minister for Public Works, the Committee is of opinion that the Government are doing all they can in the matter in order that the Proclamation may be issued so that the parties may go to arbitration. 29th June, 1880.

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No. 102.—Petition of Thomas Black and Others, of Southland. The petitioners pray that Township Improvement Boards be created. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition be referred to the Government for consideration. Ist July, 1880.

No. 107. —Petition of Thomas Herbert Biggs. The petitioner prays for a grant of land as a discharged soldier. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that any claim petitioner may ever have had has lapsed long ago. Ist July, 1880.

No. 1. —Petition of Samuel King. The petitioner prays for an inquiry in regard to a disputed boundary of land. I am directed to report that, having inquired fully into the merits of the case of the petitioner, the Committee is of opinion that there is no good ground for interference on the part of the Government. 6th July, 1880.

No. 117. —Petition of James Feame. The petitioner prays that he may be allowed to exercise his land scrip, which he, in ignorance of the law, allowed to lapse. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that any claim petitioner may have had has lapsed. 6th July, 1880. __

No. 134.—Petition of Denis Kennedy. The petitioner prays for a grant of certain land which he claims to be entitled to. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that any claim the petitioner may ever have had has lapsed long ago. 6th July, 1880.

No. 42. —Petition of Geoege Jervis. The petitioner complains that he has been wrongfully deprived by the Government of a certain parcel of land. I am directed to report that the Committee concurs with the report of the Eoyal Commission which was specially appointed to inquire into the petitioner's case on the spot in 1875, and which report clearly shows that he has no claim whatever against the Government. 9th July, 1880.

No. 84.—Petition of Thomas Wilson. The petitioner prays for compensation for loss of ground for a mill-race. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition be referred to the Government to inquire into the facts of the case. 9th July, 1880.

Nos. 128, 174, and 175. —Petitions of William Mitbeay and Others, James Taylor and Others, and H. Lavender and Others. The petitioners pray for relief for deferred-payment settlers unable to meet their rents. I am directed to report that the Committee, having alreadjr reported upon petitions that are exactly of a similar nature, has no further recommendation to make. 9th July, 1880.

No. 148.-—Petition of Edwaed Douglas. The petitioner prays that the House will recommend the Government to grant him fifty acres of land which he claims. I am directed to report that the Committee inquired into the petitioner's case last session, when it reported that he had no claim. As the petitioner has brought no further evidence before the Committee this year, the Committee is of opinion that it is unnecessary to reopen the case. 9th July, 1880.

Nos. 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, and 124.—Petitions of William CROzrEB, Patrick Talbt, Arthur Kinkade, Peter Loftus, Samuel Vincent, William McLoughlin, and Edwabd Bybne. The petitioners pray for grants of land as discharged soldiers. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that any claim the petitioners may ever have had has lapsed long ago. 13th July, 1880.

No. 138.—Petition of Messrs. Talbot and McClatchib. The petitioners pray for a reduction of rent for land leased by them in Lyttelton. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the evidence produced is insufficient to induce the Committee to grant petitioners any relief. 13th July, 1880.

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No. 202.—Petition of G. F. Sherwood and 326 Others. The petitioners urge the occupation of the confiscated lands by londfide settlers. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 22nd July, 1880.

Nos. 214 and 215. —Petition of George Rymee and Thomas McCoubrie and Others. The petitioners petition relative to sections of land forfeited by them in the Heretaunga Small-Farm Settlement. I am directed to report that, whereas the petitioners appear to have complied with all the conditions of settlement, except of personal residence, as required by " The Land Act, 1879," in respect to bush-lands, the Committee considers that the spirit of that Act was intended by this Committee to apply to cases of this description, and therefore recommends the Government to deal with the cases accordingly. 22nd July, 1880.

No. 219. —Petition of Catherine King. The petitioner prays for a grant of land to which her late husband was entitled. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that any claim the petitioner may ever have had has lapsed. 22nd July, 1880. _.

No. 240.—Petition of Geoege Strong. The petitioner prays, on behalf of his children, that they should be allowed to occupy Crown lands. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petitioner has no claim. 22nd July, 1880.

No. 241.—Petition of James Davidsoic and 188 Others. The petitioners petition relative to survey and administration of waste lands in the County of Patea. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition be referred to the Government for their favourable consideration. 22nd July. 1880.

No. 242.—Petition of James Davidson and 192 Others. Thb petitioners pray for a separate Land Board for the County of Patea. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 22nd July, 1880.

No. 153.—Petition of James Walmsley and 11 Others. The petitioners pray that they be allowed grants of land in consideration of services in the Colonial Defence Force. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the attention of the Executive Government be specially directed to the various reports, both of a Eoyal Commission and of a Committee of the House of Representatives, upon the question, with a view to the necessary action being taken thereupon. 22nd July, 1880.

I Nos. 121, 203, and 204.—Petition of Geoese Marshall, Samuel Jones, and John McNamaea. The petitioners petition relative to the non-receipt of land-scrip. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petitioners have no claim. 28th July, 1880.

No. 233.—Petition of William Dennett and Others. The petitioners pray for grants of land for services in the Colonial Defence Force. 1 am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petitioners have no claim. 28th Juiy, 1880.

Taeanaki Ikon-smelting Works Lands Act 1874 Amendment Bui. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Taranaki Iron-smelting Works Lands Act 1874 Amendment Bill, has directed me to report that the Committee is of opinion that there is no reason to divert from the recommendation of the Waste Lands Committee last session in favour of this Bill. 28th July, 1880.

Wangakct Habbottb and Biter Conservators Board Grant Bill. Thk Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Bill intituled the "Wanganui Harbour and River Conservators Board Grant Act, has directed me to report that the Committee recommends this Bill to the approval of the House. 28th July, 1880.

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No. 253.—Petition of William Murray and Others. The petitioners pray that a Select Committee be appointed to inquire into the rabbit nuisance. I am directedto report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition be referred to the GoTernment for consideration. oth August, 1880.

No. 254. —Petition of John Allison and Others. The petitioners pray that the annual payments on account of their holdings be extended to fifteen years. I am directed to report that the Committee, having already reported upon petitions which are exactly of a similar nature, has no further recommendation to make. sth August, 1880.

No. 278. —Petition of Percy Noel Springall. The petitioner prays for a grant of land, he being the son of an old colonist. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petitioner has no claim. sth August, 1880.

No. 279.—Petition of James Mclnty/be. The petitioner prays that Government will grant him a right-of-way to the back of his foundry. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition be referred to the Government for consideration. sth August, 1880.

Jackson's Bat Settlement Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Bill intituled the Jackson's Bay Settlement Act, has directed me to report that the Committee has gone through the Bill, and recommends that the same be passed without amendment. 11th August, 1880.

No. 294. —Petition of Michael 80-land. The petitioner prays that certain sections of land be granted him. I am directed to report that, having no evidence in support of this petition, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 11th August, 1880.

Port Chalmees Deill-shed Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Bill intituled the Port Chalmers Drill-shed Act, has directed me to report that it has gone through the Bill, and recommends that the same be passed without any amendment. 13th August, 1880.

No. 256.—Petition of Montgomerie Spencer and Others. The petitioners petition relative to the Shag Point District Railway. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that, failing the Government exercising its power of purchase, the petitioners are entitled to be paid a rental from year to year so as to cover the interest on the cost of construction of their branch line—the more especially so seeing that it is within the power of the Railway Department to regulate the charge of haulage on the branch line so as to recoup itself in respect of whatever rental may be agreed upon. 17th August, 1880.

No. 302.—Petition of Charles Hoopeb Green. The petitioner prays for land scrip to which he claims to be entitled. I am directed to report that the Committee cannot recommend the prayer of the petitioner, having no evidence to substantiate it. 17th August, 1880.

No. 80.—Joseph Hastie. (Second report.) The petitioner petitions relatiye to a claim to exercise scrip under " The Pensioners' Claims Act, 1861." 1 am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition be referred to the Government for their favourable consideration. 20th August, 1880.

Special Powbes and Contracts Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Bill intituled the Special Powers and Contracts Act, has directed me to report that the Committee has gone through the Bill, and recommends that the same be passed with certain amendments shown in the attached copy. 24th August, 1880. 2—l. 4

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No. 257. —Petition of Rowland Maurice. The petitioner prays for relief from disabilities under which he suffers as a registered immigrant. I am directed to report that the Committee cannot recommend a Crown grant to be issued unless the petitioner fulfils the conditions imposed by law by residing on the land. 24th August, 1880.

No. 337.' —Petition of William Powell and other Ratepayers of the Raglan Road District. The petitioners pray for the construction of a road and bridge in their district. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition be referred to the Government for their consideration. 24th August, 1880.

No. 330.—Petition of J. S. Peakk and Others. The petitioners complain of the operation of the Kumara Education Reserves Act. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition be referred to the Government for their favourable consideration. 24th August, 1880.

By Authority : Geokge Didsbtjby, Government Printer, Wellington.—lBBo. Price 6d.]