REPORTS OF THE WASTE LANDS COMMITTEE. (MR. FULTON, CHAIRMAN.)

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1884 Session II, I-04

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Sess. 11.—1884. NEW ZEALAND.

REPORTS OF THE WASTE LANDS COMMITTEE. (MR. FULTON, CHAIRMAN.)

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

INDEX.

No. Petition. Page Sess. No. Petition. Page iess. A. F. II. II. II. 23 546 364 Agnow, W. Arama Karaka Haututu Auckland Agricultural and Pastoral Association 10 11 II. I. I. II. 38 £1 63 289 Fagg, P. P. FitzGerald, J. J. .. Flood, J. .. Fraser, C. 4 2 2 7 5 B. Bagge, J. H., and Elkin, J. Bayley, W., and Others Bigelow, J. Boseley, N. Brennan, P. Brophy, E., and Others Buchanan, N. L. .. Burns, W. 5 9 4 8 3 7 9 6 II. II. II. I. 204 25 66 58 G. II. II. II. II. II. II. II. II. 20 299 3 144 297 471 447 121 II. II. II. II. II. II. 41 496 15 389 286 138 Garrard, W. G. Gascoigne, F. J. W. Gee, J., and Others Gibbons, J. Gisborne Harbour Board Harbour Construction Empowering Bill Glynn, R. P., and Others Goldsmith, S. W., and Others Good, J., and Another Gordon, B. and J. .. Grace, D. Greaves, B. F. 2 n 5 2 2 6 9 2 (i 3 7 c. I. I. II. II. II. II. 23 43 31 29 79 141 Caldicutt, W. Calvert, C. A. Cameron, S. A., and Howell, G. Campbell, J. Carroll, W. Casaubon, H. (No. 2) Chairman, Special Recognition of Services of Chapman, F. M. .. Charlton, J. R. Christie, W., and Others Clark, A. .. Clement, J. R. Clifford, R. Conn ell, J. A. Conolly, 3. F. Coyle, Whisker, and Others , .. Crawford, J. C. Crickett, S. 1 2 7 2 6 8 H. II. II. II. II. I. II. II. II. I. I. II. 176 86 283 290 8 149 487 211 19 67 174 11 8 7 8 7 4 4 9 2 2 10 6 II. II. II. II. II. II. II. II. II. 221 133 80 455 546 88 59 462 31 Halloway, R. Hampden, Mayor of, and Others Harlow, J. Harrison, W. J. Haututu, Arama Karaka Hickey, J. Higgins, Margaret Holliday, W. Howell, G., and Cameron, S. A. 2 3 2 7 11 2 9 8 7 J. I. II. I. 45 495 46 Jackson, J. Jeifcoate, E. Judge, M., and Others 1 10 2 II. II. I. II. I. II. I. II. 143 207 16 537 4 131 5 220 D. Daly, J. .. Dawson, G. Deed, J. J. Dickson, J. Doblc, M. Doble, M. - Donnelly, B. Duross, J. J. .. ' .'.- 6 2 5 11 1 2 5 2 II. II. II. II. II. 502 75 409 494 296 K. Kidd, A., and Others Kilkelly, J. Kimbell, A. C. Kohea Tahana Kyle, M. A,. 8 2 9 10 3 II. II. II. II. 20 124 125 255 E. Elkin, J., and Bagge, J. H. Ellison, H. (No. 1) Ellison, H. (No. 2) Eriokson, G., and Others .. 5 6 7 3 II. II. II. II. 270 133 83 35 L. Land Act 1877 Amendment Bill Lee, L., and Others Lefevro, J. M., and Others .. Loftus, P. Louden, J. 7 3 3 8 7

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Sess. No. I Petition. Page Sess. No. Petition. Page ii. i. ii. ii. i. n. i. ii. 482 101 218 368 64 14 48 316 M. McCartney, D. McColl, J., and Others McDonald, W. McKeever, W. McKenna, E. Meighan, P. Menzies, J. A. R., and Others Middleton, E. C, and Others Militiamen, &c, Claims of .. Millet, T. and E. .. Mitchell, H. W. .. Morrin, T., and Others Muir, D., and Others Murphy, E. W. 7 4 2 6 2 2 4 9 1 5 i 5 10 1 II. II. I. II. II. 269 135 50 288 317 Robertson, Mrs. A. Roberts, W., and Others Russell, A. H. Ryan, H. .. Ryan, S. .. 3 8 2 3 8 II. II. II. I. 105 378 117 1 s. ii. ii. ii. ii. i. 5 256 364 526 3 II. II. II. 183 388 181 Salmon, H. T. Soeats, W. H. Simpson, L. Smith, G. W. Special Powers and Contracts Bill .. Stamp, J. Sutherland, A., and Another Syms, H. J. 9 6 5 1 11 2 8 2 n. n. ii. 266 493 1 N. Ngahuruhuru, Pererika, and Others .. Ngana, Tahana Nelson, R. II. II. 11. I. II. II. II. 494 493 285 21 175 127 448 T. 10 10 3 2 2 2 5 o. 3 10 2 Tahana, Kohea Tahana Ngana Thompson, A. Timms, W., and Others Tirnms, W., and Others Tracy, M. Turnbull, G., and Others ii. ii. ii. 550 478 287 Oakos, H. O'Connell, E. O'Hare, E., sen. Old Soldiers, &c, Claims of Ormiaton, E. 11 9 3 1 3 IL 304 V. Volunteers, &c, Claims of .. Vincent, A. 1 2 P. Peacock, H. S., and Others Pererika Ngahuruhuru and Others .. Philips, J. Pringle, F. J. S. .. .. .. ii'. 27 II. II. II. ii. 258 266 538 90 10 3 I I 2 ii. ii. ii. 490 61 227 w. Waimate, Mayor and Councillors of .. Walmesley, J., and Others Ward, J., and Others Wellington College Raserves Confirmation Bill Wheeler, W. Williams, W. H., and Rich, F. D. (For Evidence, &c, vide I.-4a) Whisker, Coyle, and Others 9 2 4 ii. 136 R. Rich, F. D., and Williams, W. H. (For Evidence, &c, vide I.-4a) Rich, F. D. Roberts, M., and Others ii. ii. 318 L3G 10 9 ii. ii. 137 446 8 10 9 i. 8 2 19

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SESS. 11.—1884. NEW ZEALAND.

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

No. 23, Sess. I.—Petition of William Caldicutt. The petitioner alleges he served in the Waikato Militia, and neglected to apply for his land, to which he says he was entitled, and prays for relief. I am directed to report that the petitioner has no claim, having deserted before his three years had expired. 10th September, 1884.

No. 45, Sess. I.—Petition of John Jackson. The petitioner prays that sixty acres of land be given him for services rendered to the Government, between the years 1842-50, as mailman and guide. I am directed to report that the petitioner has no claim. 10th September, 1884.

No. 4, Sess. I.—Petition of Maria Doble. The petitioner prays that a grant of land may be given her on account of the military services of her late husband. I am directed to report that the petition, having been dealt with in 1883, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 10th September, 1884.

No. 3, Sess. I. —Petition of Edwaed William Muephy. The petitioner claims a grant of land for military services. I am directed to report that this claim having already been dealt with by Eoyal Commission this Committee does not see its way to reopen it. 10th September, 1884.

No. 1, Sess. I. —Petition of Charles William Smith. The petitioner purchased fifty acres of land in Pelorus Sound, on deferred payments, at £2 per acre. He prays it may be reduced to £1, on account of his difficulty in obtaining water. I am directed to report that there is no reason to interfere with the provisions of the law under which petitioner is able to obtain relief. 10th September, 1884.

On Claims of Old Soldiers, Volunteers, and Militiamen. With regard to the large number of petitioners praying for grants of land in respect of military services, which have been referred to this Committee, — I am directed to report—(l.) The claims of the whole of these petitions, whether well or ill founded, have long since lapsed according to law ; in many cases it is possible that such lapses may not be attributable to any fault on the part of the claimants, but rather to ignorance on their part of the law from time to time in force in respect to land grants for military services. (2.) To meet such cases the Legislature has already repeatedly extended the time within which consideration would be given to their claims, in belief that finality would be arriyed at by this means. (3.) That the claims of many of those were reported upon unfavourably by tire Royal Commission appointed to investigate in 1882. (4.) That the question of these claims, assuming as it has done such large proportions (there "being about 1,500 claims), is one of public policy, which may be deemed to be outside the functions of. this Committee to report upon, and, as such, it is submitted that it should be dealt with in such mannner as the Legislature in its wisdom may see fit. 16th September, 1884. I—l. 4.

REPORTS OF THE WASTE LANDS COMMITTEE. (ME. PULTON, CHAIRMAN.)

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No. 43, Sess. I.—Petition of C. Augustus Calvert1. The petitioner claims land for military services. I am directed to report-that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 23rd September, 1884.

No. 46, Sess. I.—Petition of Michael Judge and 41 Others. The petitioners claim land for military services. I am directed to report-that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 23rd September, 1884.

No. 131, Sess. ll.—Petition of Maria Doble. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 23rd September, 1884.

No. 58, Sess. I.—Petition of John Gibbons. The petitioner claims land for military services. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 23rd September, 1884.

No. 207, Sess. II.; No. 211, Sess. II.; No. 218, Sess. II.; No. 220, Sess. II.; No. 221, Sess. II.; and No. 204, Sess. ll.—Petitions of George Dawson, John Francis Conolly, William McDonald, James Josh Duross, Eobert Halloway, and W. G. Gareaed. The petitioners all claim land for military services. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 23rd September, 1884.

No. 21, Sess. I.—Petition of William Tims and 77 Others. The petitioners claim land for military services. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 23rd September, 1884. _.

No. 61, Sess. II.; No. 75, Sess. II.; No. 127, Sess. II.; No. 175, Sess. II.; No. 181, Sess. II.; and No. 183, Sess. ll.—Petitions of James Walmesley and 37 Others, John Kilkelly, Michael Teacy, William Timms and 43 Others, Henry Jambs Syms, and James Stamp. The above all claim land for military services. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make in any of the above-mentioned cases. 23rd September, 1884.

No. 90, Sess. ll.—Petition of F. J. S. Peingle. The petitioner states he was an officer in Her Majesty's service, and sold out to reside in New Zealand. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 23rd September, 1884. ,

No. 50, Sess. I.—Petition of Albeet H. Eussell. The petitioner left the Waikato Militia to join the Defence Force, on the understanding that it would not interfere with his getting his land. He has not been able to do so, and prays for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 23rd September, 1884.

No. 1, Sess. II.; No. 14, Sess. II.; No. 15, Sess. II.; No. 27, Sess. II.; No. 28, Sess. II.; No. 29, Sess. II.; and No. 30, Sess. ll.—Petitions of Eobeet Nelson, Patrick Meighan, John Good and Another, Augustus Vincent, James Hickey, James Campbell, and James Haelow. The petitioners claim land for military services. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make in any of these cases. 23ra September, 1884.

No. 19, Sess. I.—Petition of Coyle, Whisker and 12 Others. The petitioners claim land as old soldiers. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 23rd September, 1884.

N0.'61, Sess. I.; No. 63, Sess. I.; and No. 64, Sess. I.—Petitions of J. J. Fitzgerald, J. Flood, and E, McKenna. The petitioners claim land for military services. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation'to make. 23rd September, 1884. , ;

Gisborne ■ Harbour Boaed Haeboue Consteuction Empoweeing Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Bill intituled the Gisborne Harbour Board Harbour Construction Bill, has directed me to report that the Committee has gone through the Bill,

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and, with the two amendments shown, they see no objection to the Bill passing if the House approves of the policy of the Bill. The Committee desires to point out that, in its opinion, the Bill should be deemed a special Act under "The Harbours Act, 1878," and, if that were done, part of clause 2, section 3, and section 7of the Third Schedule would become unnecessary. There is also no provision for taking the opinion of the ratepayers before burdening with a rate', a provision that has been inserted in almost all Harbour Boards Bills. 26th September, 1884.

No. 269, Sess. II.; No. 266, Sess. II.; and No. 270, Sess. ll.—Petitions of Mrs. Ann Eobeetson, Pebebika Ngahueuhueu and Others, and Lewis Lee and Others. Mes. Ann Eobeetson prays for inquiry re her ownership to certain lands and tenements now in the occupation of Mr. Robert Graham, Ohinemutu, Eotorua, and for compensation for losses she has sustained. The other petitions are in support of Mrs. Eobertson's claim. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom these petitions were referred, has the honour to report that the Committee has carefully considered all the circumstances of the case, which is undoubtedly one of considerable hardship to Mrs. Eobertson. As however the whole of the transactions both on the part of Mrs. Eobertson and Mr. Graham were outside the law, and in no way proceeded upon action for which the State can be held responsible, your Committee does not feel justified in recommending any interference. 30th September, 1884.

No. 286, Sess. II.; No. 287, Sess. II.; No. 288, Sess. II.; and No. 297, Sess. 11. — Petitions of David Geace, Edwaed O'Haee, Sen., Heney Eyan, and Patbick Beennan. The petitioners all pray for land in respect of military services. No. 296, Sess. ll.—Petition of Maey Ann Kyle. The petitioner prays she may be allowed to exercise her late husband's order for land to which, she alleges, he was entitled for service in the New Zealand Fencible Force. I am directed by the Waste Lands Committee, to whom these petitions were referred, to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 30th September, 1884.

No. 255, Sess. ll.—Petition of Geokge,Eeickson, and Others. The petitioners pray that lands, occupied as business sites in Orwell Creek Township, under licenses may be sold. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition should be forwarded to the Gold Fields Committee. Ist October, 1884.

No. 304, Sess. II. —Petition of Eliza Oemiston. The petitioner prays that a certain piece of land, called Te Totara, may be convoyed to her by the Government, on her paying the sum of £150. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom this petition was referred, directs mo to report that under the existing law the land cannot be sold privately, and it is recommended that a clause should be inserted in the Special Powers and Contracts Bill authorizing the Governor to convey Section 54, Parish of Mangapai, as well as the piece of land adjacent, called Te Totara, to Mrs. Ormiston, on payment by her of the sum of £150. 2nd October, 1884.

_ — • No. 285, Sess. II. —Petition of Andrew Thompson. This petition has been before the House several times previously, and I am directed by the Waste Lands Committee, to whom it has been referred on this occasion, to report that the petitioner has no claim. 2nd October, 1884.

No. 133, Sess. ll.—Petition of J. M. Lefevee and Others, Mayor and Freeholders of Hampden. The petitioners state that a Crown grant was issued on the 28th September, 1875, to the Superintendent of Otago for Section 7, Block XIII., Moeraki District, containing 3,600 acres, as a commonage for the use of the inhabitants of the Town of Hampden. The Town of Hampden not being then incorporated a borough, the control of the said reserve was placed under the control of the Hampden Eoad Board, which Eoad Board was subsequently merged in the County of Waitaki. They pray that it now may be vested in the Corporation of Hampden, and that no exchange be made without a vote of the ratepayers. I am directed to report that, it having been made to appear that the section granted is for various reasons unsuitable for the object intended, and proposals having been made to exchange the commonage, for 150 acres oLlatid- in the immediate neighbourhood of the borough, the Committee recommend that effect should be given to the proposed, exchange of 150 acres, referred to in Mr. Under-Secretary Mrott's ..report to" the Committee, No. 571, dated the 16th September, 1884, as commonage reserve, and that a clause should be inserted in the Special Powers and Contracts Bill for that purpose. 3rd October, 1884.

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No. 48, Sess. 1., and No. 227, Sess. ll.—Petitions of J. A. E. Menzies and Others, and J. G. Waed and 25 Others. The petitioners pray for some recognition for the valuable services rendered to the colony by Captain Eaymond towards the extinction of the rabbit pest. The Committee have had under its consideration the claims of Captain Eaymond on account of his having brought into economical use phosphorized oats as a remedy for the rabbit pest. It would appear that this gentleman devoted considerable pains to the perfecting of his method, and at once made it known to the public without hope of reward. There is no doubt that immense benefit has accrued from the use of the poison, both on private property and on Crown lands. Your Committee therefore is of opinion that public services such as these should be recognized by the State, and they therefore recommend that a sum of £500 be placed on the Supplementary Estimates as a reward to Captain Eaymond. 3rd October, 1884.

No. 3, Sess. II. —Petition of John Bigelow. The petitioner neglected to make use of his land order during the time allowed for exercising same. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom this petition was referred, has the honour to report that 'applicant, having failed to take advantage of the provisions of the Act, and the opportunities offered him within the prescribed time, the Committee cannot recommend the prayer of the petitioner. 7th October, 1884.

No. 149, Sess. ll.—Petition of Eichaed Cliffoed. The petitioner prays for restoration of his land, of which he alleges he was wrongfully deprived. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom this petition was referred, has the honour to report and recommend that the proposal made by Mr. Whitcombe, Crown Lands Commissioner, Taranaki, in his letter to the Under-Secretary for Crown Lands, dated the 23rd September, 1884, be given effect to by the Government, and that a clause be inserted in the Special Powers and Contracts Bill of this session for the purpose. 7th October, 1884.

No. 101, Sess. I.—Petition of James McColl and Others. The petitioners allege there is no means of access to their property, and pray for inquiry. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom this petition was referred, has the honour to report that the settlement of this question, which is one of considerable hardship, belongs to the local authorities; and your Committee recommends that the Government place themselves in communication with the County Council, and request their- good offices to promote a settlement as between the petitioners and the Eoad Boards concerned. 7th October, 1884.

No. 256, Sess. ll.—Petition of Heney Walkee Mitchell. The petitioner alleges he has a claim on the Government for money due for commission while engaged as a Land Purchase Agent, and prays that the agreement entered into by the late Sir Donald McLean may be carried out The Waste Lands Committee, to whom this petition was referred, has the honour to report that Mr. Henry Mitchell has a claim for consideration, and the Committee recommends the Government to settle same, under clause 7, Government Land Purchase Act, having regard to work done by the petitioner up to the present time on completed and uncompleted purchases. 9th October, 1884.

No. 8, Sess. I.—Petition of Joseph Riohaed Clement. The petitioner prays that a road maybe made to give him access to his land. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom this petition was referred, has the honour to report that the Committee recommends that the offer of the Government, conveyed in the telegram from the Under-Secretary to the Commissioner of Crown Lands, dated the Bth March, 1884, remain open for such time as will enable Mr. Clement to complete arrangements with Mr. Studholme, but that the Government should adopt no further responsibility, should such offer not be accepted. 10th October, 1884.

No. 38, Sess. ll.—Petition of Petbb Pope Fagg. The petitioner prays that the sum of £490 be awarded him, value of improvements to land bought by him, but to which he never got a title, and subsequently sold by the Government for the above sum, which sum is still in the hands of the Government. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom this petition was referred, has the honour to report that, having considered the evidence on behalf of the persons concerned, it appears to have been the intention of the Committee Which reported on this case on previous occasions that the claim of the petitioner to soim allowance for his improvements should be recognized, and in this the present Committee concurs. It is the opinion of the Committee that Mr. Fowler, to whom the petitioner agreed to sell the land, is also entitled to share in the compensation to bo given. The equities of the case would be met by dividing th.9 compensation between the petitioner and Mr. Fowler, and the Committee recommends accordingly. But it appears that a sum of £165, supposed by Mr. Fowler to have been paid to the petitioner, has never been so paid, but is now in the hands of a Mr. McCaul. The Committee accordingly recommends that Mr. Fowler give Mr. Fagg an order to

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receive this sum from Mr. McCaul, and, that being done, the £490 awarded by Government should be paid, £440 to Mr. Fowler and £50 to the petitioner, the petitioner also to receive a refund of the £30 deposit now in the hands of the Government. 10th October, 1884.

No. 5, Sess. I.—Petition of Bkidgbt Donnelly. The petitioner arrived in the colony in 1864, and neglected to bring a land order, and prays her case may be considered. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom this petition was referred, has the honour to report that this petition was reported on in 1883, and the Committee sees no reason to alter the decision then arrived at, namely, that petitioner has no claim. 10th October, 1884.

No. 16, Sess. I. —Petition of John Jackson Deed. The petitioner arrived in 1865, and neglected to bring a land order, and prays that his case may be taken into consideration. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom this petition was referred, has the honour to report that this is one of many similar cases, the petitioner not having complied with the 69th section of "The Waste Lands Act, 1858." The Committee considers he has no claim. 10th October, 1884.

No. 5, Sess. II. —Petition of Thomas and Elizabeth Millet. The petitioners claim forty acres each, and they allege they paid their passage on the understanding they were entitled to it. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom this petition was referred, has the honour to report that, the petitioners not having complied with the terms of "The Waste Lands Act, 1858," the Committee cannot recommend their prayer to the favourable consideration of the House. 10th October, 1884.

No. 20, Sess. ll. —Petition of Jonathan Elkin and J. H. Bagge. The petitioners purchased land at Te Puke, Tauranga, under the impression that roads and bridges existed, and pray for certain restrictions to be taken off. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom this petition was referred, has the honour to report that the Committee does not see its way to recommend any relaxation of the conditions under which the land was purchased. 10th October, 1884.

No. 66, Sess. ll.—Petition of John Gee and Others. The petitioners are owners of land in the vicinity of trie Waimea Eailway, and they pray the Government to pay the rates that have been levied on them by that company. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of the petition is now under the consideration of the House, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 10th October, 1884.

No. 117, Sess. II. —Petition of Leonard Simpson. The petitioner alleges he was authorized by Government to survey a certain block of land called Paengaroa North, near Maketu, which survey was first stopped by the Natives, and afterwards relinquished by Government. He prays for a refund of the moneys expended by him. I am directed to report that the facts of the case seem to be these : A Native block at Maketu, called Paengaroa North, was adjudicated by Judge Wilson, and awarded to certain Natives. Mr. Wilson also subdivided the block among the owners to whom he awarded it. In 1881 Mr. Simpson, at his own urgent request, was authorized to lay out the subdivisions, and to make his own arrangements with the Natives as regards payment. After the survey was about a third finished, the Chief Judge requested it might be stopped on the ground that he considered that the decision of the Court in making the subdivisions was wrong, and therefore the survey would be of no use. The case has not yet been reheard by the Court; but, when settled, there seems no reason why Mr. Simpson should not complete the work he commenced, and thus become entitled to payment from the owners of the land,. The Committee under the circumstances has no recommendation to make. 10th October, 1884.

No. 448, Sess. ll.—Petition of Geobge Tubnbull and 304 Others. The petitioners in this case pray that certain new railway works may be constructed by the colony. I am directed to report that, as this is a question of public policy, upon which it seems beyond the functions of this Committee to express an opinion, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 15th October, 1884.

No. 304, Sess. 11. — Petition of Thomas Mokrin and Others on behalf of the Auckland Agricultural and Pastoral Association. The .petitioners pray for a grant of land as an endowment. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom this petition was referred, has the honour to report that the Committee does not see its way to recommend that the prayer of the petition be granted. 15th October, 1884.

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No. 41, Sess. ll.—Petition of Eobeet P. Glynn and 5 Others. The petitioners are residents of the Town Districts of Linwood, Woolston, and Sumner, and pray that endowments may be granted to each of the said places. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom this petition was referred, directs me to report that the Committee cannot recommend any grant beyond those already provided by law. 15th October, 1884.

No. 389, Sess. ll.—Petition of Eobeet and John Goedon. The petitioners, on arrival in Auckland, presented their land orders and had them registered, but neglected to fake up their land, and now pray that a grant of land may be given to them. I am directed to report that, the petitioners having failed to comply with the provisions of the Act, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 15th October, 1884.

No. 368, Sess. ll.—Petition of William McKeevee. The petitioner served in the Waikato Militia, and prays for a grant of land, to which he alleges he is entitled. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 15th October, 1884.

No. 121, Sess. II. —Petition of William Buens. The petitioner prays for a grant of land for military services. The Waste Lands Committee directs me to report that, in accordance with resolution arrived at by the Committee, and reported to the House on the 16th September last, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 15th October, 1884.

No. 79, Sess. II. —Petition of William Cabeoll. The petitioner, who is an old soldier, alleges that he selected a piece of land at the Bay of Islands, after having served with the 57th Eegiment. He prays that a Crown grant may be given to him for it. I am directed to report that petitioner, not having complied with the provisions of the law, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 15th October, 1884.

No. 143, Sess. II. —Petition of John Daly. The petitioner alleges he received scrip for land, but lost the same through his whare being burnt. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom this petition Was referred, directs mo to report that the petitioner, not having complied with the provisions of the law, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 15th October, 1884.

No. 378, Sess. ll.—Petition of William Henry Sceats. The petitioner arrived in Auckland in 1863: was refused a land order before leaving England because he described himself as being a clerk. I am directed to report that no valid claim has been disclosed in the petition, any which might have existed having lapsed long ago. 15th October, 1884.

No. 174, Sess. ll.—Petition of Samuel Ceickett. The petitioner states that he arrived as a Government immigrant in 1864. He received land, which he sold. He then went to reside on his son's land. This son having died, the Government sold this property, on which the father had resided for five years, to another son. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that this petition has been reported on upon several former occasions. The Committee does not see any reason for altering the decisions previously arrived at, viz., that the petitioner has no claim. 15th October, 1884. No. 83, Sess. ll.—Petition of Petee Loftus. The petitioner, who is an old soldier, prays for a Crown grant to a certain piece of land, to which he alleges he was entitled for military services. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 15th October, 1884.

No. 124, Sess. ll.—Petition of Henky Ellison_(No. 1). The petitioner alleges that he-undertook the survey of the Tauanui arrd Kairapirapi Blocks for the Native claimants, the cost, in the Irst instance, to be defrayed, by Government, the price to be Is. 6d. per acre. He-Vas forcibly prevented by certain Natives from completing the survey, after he had incurred expense to the amount of £120. The claims having been withdrawn from hearing at the Native Land Court, the petitioner has no present prospect of completing his survey. I am directed to report that the Committee, having in view the action of the Natives in withdrawing their lands from investigation by the Native Land Court, whereby the petitioner has been

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debarred from completing his survey, thinks it is only fair that the Government should advance the sum of £120 and register a lien against the two blocks, which are estimated to contain 2,000 acres. They therefore recommend accordingly. 17th October, 1884.

No. 125, Sess. ll.—Petition of Heney Ellison (No. 2). The petitioner executed a divisional survey for the Natives of the Paututu Block. The Native Land Court, to which he applied for an order for payment, declined to make any such order (the Native Assessor objecting), and advised that proceedings for recovery should be taken in another Court. ■ I am directed to report that, as the question of payment is not one m which the Government is concerned, the petitioner be informed that he has his remedy in a Court of law. 17th October, 1884.

Land Act 1877 Amendment Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Land Act 1877 Amendment Bill, has the honour to report that they have gone through the Bill, and beg to report the same with amendments, as shown in the copy of the Bill annexed. 17th October, 1884.

No. 31, Sess. ll.—Petition of George Howell and Sarah Ann Cameron. The Waste Lands 'Committee, to whom this petition was referred, has the honour to report that this petition was recommended to the favourable consideration of the Government in 1882 by this Committee, and it is now recommended that effect may be given thereto by inserting a clause in the Special Powers and Contracts Bill of this session for that purpose. 21st October, 1884.

No. 86, Sess. ll.—Petition of John E. Charlton. The petitioner alleges that he was driven from his freehold at Kawhia by the rebel Natives, his land afterwards was sold by public auction and purchased by the Government, which land has since become the Township of Kawhia. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom this petition was referred, has the honour to report that, so far as the action of the Government in purchasing the Township of Kawhia is concerned, the Committee is of opinion that Mr. Charlton has no claim-on the Government. 21st October, 1884.

No. 455, Sess. ll.—Petition of William John Harbison. The petitioner states that in 1881 he was wrongfully deprived, through the judgment of the Warden's Court in favour of one Masters, of his homestead. He prays for relief. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom this petition was referred, has the honour to report that any claim against the Government has been already discharged by the payment of £250 to Mr. Harrison. 21st October, 1884.

No. 35, Sess. ll.—Petition of James Louden. The petitioner states that his father purchased the interest in four acres of land at Whaingaroa (Eaglan), from one Johnston Beswick Wilkinson, who derived his title indirectly from one John Davis, a purchaser from the Natives, in 1842. I am directed to report that the matter seems to have been inquired into in 1858, by Mr. F. D. Dell, Land Claims Commissioner, but, as the transaction upon which the petition is framed occurred upwards of forty years ago, there is not sufficient evidence to enable the Committee to arrive at any conclusion as to the merits of the case. 21st October, 1884.

No. 471, Sess. II.; and No. 482, Sess. ll.—Petitions of Edward Beophy and Others, of Auckland ; and David McCartney, of Wanganui. The petitioners pray for grants of land in respect of military services. The Committee, in accordance with the resolution passed 16th September last, has no recommendation to make. 23rd October, 1884.

No. 289, Sess. II.; and No. 290, Sess. ll.—Petitions of Catherine Feaser and Alexander Clark. The petitioners pray for redress on account of not having means of access to their land for many years. The Waste Lands Committee has the honour to report that they cannot recommend the prayer of the petitioners. 23rd October, 1884.

No. 138, Sess. ll.—Petition of Benjamin F. Greaves. The petitioner, who leased a quarry from the Government at Mount Eden, Auckland, prays for remission of rent. The Committee does not consider petitioner has any claim on the Government. 23rd October, 1884.

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No. 141, Sess. ll.—Petition of Heney Casaubon. The Committee recommends that this petition be sent to the Native Affairs Committee for consideration. 23rd October, 1884.

No. 176, Sess. ll.—Petition of Fredeeick Maetin Chapman. The Committee recommends that this petition be sent to the Public Petitions Committee for consideration. 23rd October, 1884.

No. 144, Sess. ll.—Petition of Newman Boseley. The Committee recommends that this petition be sent to the Public Petitions Committee for consideration. 23rd October, 1884.

No. 283, Sess. ll.—Petition of William Cheistie and Others. The petitioners, residents of Dipton and other portions of Southland, pray that Castlerock may be connected with the Winton-Kingston Railway, a distance of seven miles, to open up valuable deposits of limestone. The Committee is of opinion that this is a matter for the Executive Government, and that it Bhould be referred to them for consideration. 23rd October, 1884.

No. 135, Sess. 11.-—Petition of William Robeets and Others. The petitioners are residents in the vicinity of Shag Point, and pray that the House may devise some means that may lead to reopening of Shag Point Colliery. As the subject-matter of this petition has been dealt with in the report on petition No. 136, F. D. Rich and another, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 28th October, 1884.

No. 462, Sess. ll.—Petition of William Holliday. The petitioner prays for grant of land for military services. The Committee has the honour to report that, in" accordance with a resolution passed on the 16th September last, which was presented to the House, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 28th October, 1884.

No. 317, Sess. ll.—Petition of Simon Ryan. The petitioner prays for grant of land in respect of military services. The Committee has the honour to'report that, petitioner's claim having been rejected by the Royal Commission, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 28th October, 1884.

No. 388, Sess. ll.—Petition of Alexander Sutheeland and Another. The petitioners, who are holders of deferred-payment sections on the Waimate Plains, pray that the freehold of the same may be granted to them on the payment of their capitalized value. As the subject-matter of this petition is now under the consideration of Parliament, the Committee does not consider it necessary to make any recommendation. 28th October, 1884.

No. 136, Sess. ll—Petition of F. D. Rich and W. H. Williams. The petitioners are the proprietors of the Shag Point Colliery, and they allege they have suffered severe pecuniary loss through the action of the Government Inspector of Mines (Mr. Binns), which action led to the necessity of closing the mine. They pray that relief may be granted to them for the purpose of reopening the mine. After an extended inquiry into the merits of the case, and having examined a number of witnesses, many of them being experts, the Committee have the honour to report —1. That in their opinion the action of the Inspector of Mines was warranted. 2. That, looking at the capital expended on this mine, and the need of keeping open a coal mine in the district, a lease of the submarine coal fields for a long term should be granted to Messrs. Rich and Williams, and an extension of the existing lease if no private rights are interfered with. 3. That a Government grant should be made in aid of reopening the mine, such grant not to exceed one-third of the total cost of such reopening, and in no case to exceed £5,000. (For Evidence, &c, see 1.-4 a.) 28th October, 1884.

No. 502, Sess. ll.—Petition of Alfeed Kidd and Others. The petitioners, leaseholders of allotments at Eotorua, pray that" they may be relieved from their liabilities in respect thereof by the repeal of " The Thermal Springs District Act 1881 Amendment Act, 1883," which Act, they allege, was made retrospective, or by such other measures as may be devised for their relief. The Committee has the honour to report that, as the subject-matter of the petition is one for Government to deal with, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 28th October, 1884.

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No. 316, Sess. ll.—Petition of E. C. Middleton and Others. The petitioners are lessees under the West Coast Settlement Eeserves Act, and they pray that provision may be made for making roads to give them access to their lands. The Committee recommend that this petition should be referred to the Government. 28th October, 1884.

No. 59, Sess. ll.—Petition of Maegaeet Higgins. The petitioner takes exception to the action of the Public Trustee. The Committee is of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Public Petitions ■Committee. 30th October, 1884.

No. 105, Sess. ll.—Petition of Henry Thomas Salmon. The Committee is of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Public Petitions Committee. 30th October, 1884.

No. 487, Sess. ll.—Petition of John Aitken Connell. The petitioner prays that sections 5 to 13, inclusive, of the Bill intituled " An Act to amend ' The Land Act, 1877,' " may not be passed into law. As the subject-matter of this petition has been dealt with by Parliament, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 31st October, 1884.

No. 318, Sess. ll.—Petition of William Wheelee. The petitioner, a discharged soldier, alleges that land granted to him was afterwards taken as a county reserve. The Waste Lands Committee has the honour to report that this petition was dealt with in 1883, and there has been nothing further adduced to warrant the reopening of the matter, therefore it has no recommendation to make. 31st October, 1884.

No. 409, Sess. ll.—Petition of Alfeed Chaeles Kimbell. The petitioner alleges he bid for Section 1, Block VI., Strath-Taieri, under the Pastoral Deferredpayment Act, of which one James Pearsall was declared the purchaser. He asks to be allowed to purchase. The Committee recommend that this petition be referred to Government, together with a copy of the Committee's report on the same subject last year, which was as follows : " (1.) That the case of the petitioner is one of much hardship, and deserves special consideration at the hands of the Government, inasmuch as that, largely through his perseverance, the interests of the public have been conserved. (2.) That, with a view to the petitioner being placed in possession of the land for which he was a bond fide bidder, special legislation, if necessary, should be had recourse to this session." 31st October, 1884.

No. 478, Sess. ll.—Petition of Edwaed O'Connell. The petitioner holds land under lease from the Government at Strath-Taieri, and prays for a reduction in valuation, as they were led to purchase at a high rate through the representations of the Government auctioneer that the central railway would shortly be constructed. The Committee is of opinion that the case of the petitioner can be best met by the immediate construction of the Otago Central Eailway; the Committee therefore recommend that the Government be urged to push on this matter with all possible speed. 31st October, 1884.

No. 496, Sess. ll.—Petition of S. W. Goldsmith and Others, Mayor and Councillors of Waimate. The petitioners pray for an endowment of sixty-one acres for the Borough of Waimate of unsold Crown lands. The Waste Lands Committee has the honour to report that it is of opinion that this petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 31st October 1884.

Nos. 446 and 447, Sess. II. —Petition of Mack Bobeets and Others, and N. L. Buchanan. The former request that certain blocks of land may be thrown open for sale or lease on the deferredpayment system; the latter, who is a runholder in the district, protests against such a course being taken. As the subject-matter of these two petitions is a question of administration, the Committee recommend that the petitions be referred to the Government, whose duty it is to amend the law so as to make all due provision for bond fide settlement. 31st October, 1884.

No. 299, Sess. ll.—Petition of William Bayley and Others, New Plymouth. The petitioners pray that the Eacecourse Eeserve in New Plymouth may be granted to the Mayor and Councillors, as provided by " The Public Eeserves Act, 1881." 2—l. 4.

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The Committee recommends that the Eacecourse Reserve should be vested in the Municipal Corporation of Taranaki, subject to the condition that not less than one-third be dedicated to purposes of public recreation for the benefit of the people of New Plymouth. 31st October, 1884.

No. 23, Sess. ll.—Petition of William Agnew. The petitioner alleges he held an agricultural lease, but, through legal proceedings having been taken against him in the Eesident Magistrate's Court, the bailiff sold the lease, as well as his goods and chattels, to one Indor, as he believes illegally. He prays for relief. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom the petition was referred, has the honour to report that the case appears to be one of considerable hardship to the petitioner; it involves, however, so many points of law, that the Committee does not see its way to deal with it, but would recommend that the petition be referred to the Government in the hope that they may be able to bring about an equitable, settlement of the same. 31st October, 1884.

No. 137, Sess. ll. —Petition of Feancis Dyer Rich re Shag Point Branch Eailway. The Committee has the honour to report that, failing the Government exercising its power to purchase, the petitioner is entitled to be paid a rental from year to year so as to cover the interest on the cost of construction of the branch line, such payment to reckon during the period that the railway was working, and to apply when the railway resumes working. 31st October, 1884.

Wellington College Eeseeves Confiemation Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the above Bill, has the honour to report that, after- careful consideration, it recommends that the Bill be allowed to proceed. 31st October, 1884.

No. 67, Sess. I.—Petition of J. C. Ceawfokd. The petitioner alleges he purchased some land from the Natives in Blind Bay and Massacre Bay in the year 1839, but has never been able to get a title. He prays for inquiry into his claim. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom this petition was referred, has the honour to report that, the petitioner having neglected to prosecute his claim within the statutory period, the Committee is of opinion that his request should not be entertained. 4th November, 1884. .

No. 258, Sess. ll.—Petition of H. S. Peacock and Others. The Committee is of opinion that the petition should be referred to the Public Petitions Committee. 4th November, 1884.

No. 495, Sess. ll.—Petition of Elon Jeffcoate. The petitioner alleges he purchased from the Natives, in the year 1869, the right to cut all the timber on the Waikanae Block, Coromandel Peninsula, and, after expending upwards of £1,000, he received notice from the Crown Lands Commissioner, Auckland, to cease operations under pain of prosecution. The Waste Lands Committee has the honour to report that the petitioner seems to have a primd facie claim to the timber, and the Committee would recommend, therefore, that Government be requested to carefully inquire into the case. sth November, 1884.

No. 526, Sess. ll.—Petition of David Muie and Others. The petitioners, residents in Shag Valley, and others pray that certain lands may be thrown open for settlement. The Waste Lands Committee has the honour to report that, as the subject-matter of this petition is rather a matter for the Administration than the Legislature, the Committee recommends that this petition be referred to Government for consideration, whose duty it is to make all due provision for bond fide settlement. sth November, 1884.

No. 494, Sess. ll.—Petition of Kohea Tahana. The petitioner alleges that a portion of land purchased by one Te Wenerei from the Crown Lands Commissioner on the 4th December, 1882, in Tupurupuru Block, for which he paid £40 on the supposition that it contained 80 acres, was found, on resurvey in 1883, after deduction for roads, to contain only 47 acres 27 perches. Petitioner, who succeeded to this land, prays for relief. The Committee recommends that petitioner be refunded the money paid, together with interest thereon, in respect of the actual area deficient, inclusive of area taken for roads. sth November, 1884.

No. 493, Sess. II. —Petition of Tahana Ngana. The petitioner alleges that in the year 1860 he purchased from Government 80 acres of land in the Tupurupuru Block, and in 1883, when it was resurveyed, a considerable portion was taken for roads, leaving him only 71 acres 3 roods 30 perches. He prays for relief.

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The Waste Lands Committee has the honour to report that the Committee recommends that petitioner be refunded the money paid by him, together with interest thereon, in respect of the actual area deficient, inclusive of area taken for roads. sth November, 1884.

No. 25, Sess. ll.—Petition of Feedeeick J. W. Gascoigne. The petitioner prays he may have his town acre at Ormondville restored to him, as the grant for the same was cancelled through the Commission being misinformed. The Waste Lands Committee has the honour to report that the information at the disposal of the Committee does not enable them to arrive at a decision; they therefore recommend that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 6th November, 1884.

No. 538, Sess. ll.—Petition of James Philips. The petitioner alleges that he purchased a piece of land from Government by mistake, and paid a deposit thereon of £48 19s. 4d. The land has since been sold, and he prays for a refund of the deposit. The Waste Lands Committee has the honour to report that the Committee recommend that the decision of the Waste Lands Board be given effect to. 6th November, 1884.

No. 537, Sess. ll.—Petition of John Dickson. The petitioner is a deferred-payment settler at Hokonui, and he states that, through having exhausted his means in improvements, he is unable to comply with the terms of the Act. He prays for relief. The Committee is of opinion that the prayer of this petition is a question for the Administration. 6th November, 1884.

No. 546, Sess. ll.—Petition of Aeama Kaeaka Haututu. The petitioner alleges he was unjustly deprived of certain land at Takapuna, near Auckland. He prays for inquiry into his claim, such inquiry to take place in Auckland. The Committee is of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government. 6th November, 1884.

Special Powers and Conteacts Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Bill intituled the Special Powers and Contracts Bill, has the honour to report that they have carefully considered the Bill, and recommend that the Bill should be passed, with amendments and additions as shown on the copy annexed hereto. 6th November, 1884.

Special Recognition of Services of Chaibmen of Select Committees. The Waste Lands Committee has the honour to make the following report to the House : — The Committee has had under its consideration the principle, which was affirmed by the House, of granting a special recognition of services to Chairmen of Select Committees. Without expressing any opinion on the policy of the course which has been adopted by the House, the Committee is of opinion that the same principle which has been adopted in other cases which have been before Parliament should apply to the case of the Chairman of the Waste Lands Committee, whose duties are of a specially responsible and onerous character. 6th November, 1884.

No. 550, Sess. ll.—Petition of Honoea Oakes. The Committee recommends that this petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 7th November, 1884.

Authority: George Didsbuey, Government Printer, Wellington.—lBB4.