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

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1888 Session I, I-05

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1888. NE W ZEA L A N1).

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

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

INDEX.

No. Petitions, &c. Page. A. 4 2 Atkinson, J. '302 432 298 48 247 108 38 182 184 208 B. Baker, J. D., and Others Bate, D., and Others Beamish, G. J. N. Bentley, J. D. .. Biggs, M. D. .. Black, E., and Others Brown, A. Brown, C. A., and Others Brown, J. Brown, W., and Others 3 8 5 1 t 5 1 5 8 5 385 480 479 397 72 508 403 "59 280 "32 324 c, Cambridge, J., and Others Cameron, A. Cameron, T. Campbell, C. R. Campbell, J. Catlin's River Settlers Clarke, J. M. .. Clark, W. H Cooper, G. G., and Others Crowe, Lieut.-Colonel A. Croydon Settlers 8 8 s 7 I 3 o 4 3 4 7 D. 411 13 &c. 43 108 324 37 Daly, J. Deferred-payment Settlers Deferred-payment Settlers, Lauder Deferred-payment Settlers, Mount Hyde .. Dickson, R., and Others.. Dunlop, D. 7 4 5 5 7 1 E. 230 Earl, 8. Ellosmere Lake Lands Bill Endowment Reserves Administration Bill.. Endowment Reserves Administration Bill, Petition against 6 5 3 208 5 F. Fair Rent and Price of Band Bill Foley, J. Frazer, T., and Others .. 4 5 8 335 271 160 129 75 346 18 30 G. Garbos, P. Garrard, W. G. .. Garrard, W. G. .. Gill, M. Gower, J., and Smith, H. Gregg, G., and Others .. 2 4 1 6 i i

I No. Petitions, &c. Petitions, &c. Vs.ee. j i_ I 172 132 47 *248 •119 H. Hawkes, B. jr., and Others Hay, W. McG. Hodge, B. P. .. Hodge, R. P. .. Hutchinson, S. .. 6 a 1 a 4 404 361 462 *48 J. Jack, A. Jackson, J. Vv\, and Others Jones, E. Joyce, J. 7 7 7 4 173 L. 179 43 129 73 •49 I "47 i 485 i 497 Lambort, E. Land Acts Amendment Bill Land for Settlements Bill Lathan, J. H., and Knorpp, C. B. Lauder Deferred-payment Settlers Laurie, P. Lonergan, T. .. Love, J. Love, W. Lowry, R. Luridon, J. (No. 3) 0 5 3 6 5 6 1 4 4 8 H M. 185 : 393 •181 347 i 22 322 •239 ! 74 : 344 '117 : 159 215 •54 i 424 : 53 I *95 : 121 |*412 ; 108 •412 Macartney, D. .. Mainwaring, 0... Mawe, Vv". P. .. Mawe, W. F. McAllan, W. ... MeAnestry, J. .. McOabe, J., and Another McCandleish, J. McClean, G. .. MeCormick, J. .. McGinnerty, W. MoKearrtey, P. .. Me'Keever," W. .. MoLauchlan, D. McPherson, A., and Others Miller, W. Millett, T. Motukaraka Village Settlers .. Mount Hyde Deferred-payment Settlers .. ; Murray, P. T., and Others • 7 . 4 7 4 5 f> 2 7 4 2 4 4 7 4 4 0 4 5 4 43 •280 349 337 N. Naval and Military Settlers' and Volunteers' Land Bill Naylor, B., and Another Nelson Grown Land Leaseholders Nodder, J. Notion, R. S 5 3 8 5

♦ Seas. IT., 1887.

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No. Petitions, &c. Page. 345 340 o. Oakes, J. P. (No. 1) .. : .. 2 Oakes, J. P. (No. 2) .. .. .. 3 Otago Central Railway Bill (vide also L-5a) i 2 Otago Pastoral Leaseholders .. .. 2 159 - i 224 484 3G1 "12 147 471 140 159 175 P. Painton, W., and Another .. .. I 2 Pcmberton, C. L., and Others .. .. ] 8 Pemberton Settlers .. .. .. j 7 Porter, H. .. .. .. .. j 4 Power, M. .. .. .. .. I 4 Power, M. .. .. .. .. 4 Pratt, T. .. .. .. .. 2 Prentice, J., and Others .. .. .. 2 Pringle, F. J. S. .. .. .. 3 Public Reserves Sale Bill .. .. 6 428 *224 432 8 *508 •188 *94 R. Reading, I. .. .. .. .. 7 Rintoul District Settlers .. .. 2 Riwaka Settlers .. .. .. 8 Robinson, Benjamin .. .. .. 4 Roger, J., and Others .. .. .. 3 Russell, A. .. .. .. .. 4 Ryan, S. .. .. .. .. 4

No. Petitions, &c. Page. 216 380 105 224 18 "130 143 s. Sadgrove, J. Sage, J. Simmonds, F. .. Simpson, L. .. Smith, H., and (lower, J. Spencer, R. Stamp, J. State Forests Act Amendment Bill Swanson Village Settlers Syrn.es, H. S. .. 4 7 2 i; i 4 ■2 6 5 4 182 *56 '412 182 V. Village Settlers at Motukaraka Village Settlers at Swanson and Waitakere 4 r, w. *271 172 182 •132 396 fill Waihemo Settlers Waikawau Settlors Waitakeroi Village Settlers Watson, G. Watts, W. Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company (vide also L-5b) West Coast Leaseholders Williams, M. .. Wood, J. 8 6 5 I 7 *302 305 5 H 3 7 2

* Sess. II., 1887. ! Sese. I., 1*7.

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1888. NEW ZEALAND.

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

No. 38. —Petition of Amelia Beown. The petitioner states that her first husband, John Colegate Pratt, served in the Waikato Militia during the Maori war; that he received a grant of land, upon which he resided for some time and then left it. She asks that she may now receive a grant of land. lam directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. Ist June, 1888.

No. 37. —Petition of David Dunlop. The petitioner states that he was a soldier in the Imperial Army, and served with his regiment in New Zealand during the Maori war. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. Ist June, 1888.

No. 47.—Petition of R. P. Hodge. The petitioner states that he served in the Waikato Militia in 1863. He asks that he be given a grant of land. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. Ist June, 1888.

No. 48.—Petition of J. D. Bentley. The petitioner states that he served in the New Zealand Militia in the year 1863. He asks that he be given a grant of land. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. Ist June, 1888.

No. 72. —Petition of James Campbell. The petitioner states that he served in the New Zealand Land Transport Corps in 1861-65. He asks that he be given a grant of land. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. Ist June, 1888.

No. 75.—Petition of William Geoege Gaekaed. The petioner prays for a " naval " grant of land. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. Ist June, 1888.

No. 73. —Petition of Thomas Lonebgan. The petitioner states that he served in the 58th Regiment during the Maori war; that he was granted forty acres of land for " special service." He now asks that a grant of sixty acres be given to him. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. Ist June, 1888. I—l. 5.

REPORTS OF WASTE LANDS COMMITTEE. (Mb. FULTON, CHAIRMAN.)

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No. 74. —Petition of John McCandleish. The petitioner states he served in the 18th Regiment during the Maori war. He asks that he may be given a grant of land. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. Ist June, 1888.

No. 105.—Petition of Feanois Simmonds. The petitioner states that he served in the Imperial Navy and in the New Zealand Armed Constabulary. He asks that he may be given a grant of land. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. Ist June, 1888.

No. s.—Petition of John Wood. The petitioner states that he served in New Zealand in the 57th Regiment. He asks that a grant of land be given to him. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. Ist June, 1888.

No. 159, Sess. 11., 1887.—Petition of James Pbentice and 24 Others. The petitioners pray that the relief clause in the Special Powers and Contracts Bill, introduced in 1886, may be applied to the pastoral deferred-payment leases which they hold in the Provincial District of Otago. I am directed to report that the prayer of the petition has been already dealt with in the Land Act of 1887. Ist June, 1888.

No. 248, Sess. 11., 1887.—Petition of Robeet Paul Hodge. The petitioner states that he served in the Waikato Militia and Land Transport Corps. He asks that a grant of land be given to him. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. Ist June, 1888.

Otago Centeal Railway Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Otago Central Railway Bill, have the honour to report that, after having gone carefully through the Bill and taken the evidence of Mr. McKerrow, Surveyor-General; Mr. Blair, Assistant Eugineer-in-Chief; and Mr. Pyke, M.H.R., they are of opinion that the Bill should not be allowed to proceed. (For evidence, &c, vide 1.-5 a.) Bth June, 1888.

Nos. 132, 143, 146, 159, and 160.—Petitions of W. McGeegoe Hay, John Stamp, Thomas Peatt, William McGinneety, and Petee Gaebes. The petitioners claim grants of land for their services in the Imperial and New Zealand Forces during the Maori war. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, these petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration. 12th June, 1888.

No. 224, Sess. 11., 1887. —Petition of W. Painton and Another, Owners and Lessees of Land in the Rintoul Survey District. The petitioners pray that a public road may be made up the Wairoa Valley. I am directed to report that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration ; and the Committee further recommend that more active steps should be taken throughout the colony, by pushing on surveys and roading, for the purpose of opening up large areas of land for settlement. 12th June, 1888.

No. 349.—Petition of John Noddee. The petitioner prays that he may receive a Crown grant of forty acres of land selected by him in 1858 in the Maungakaramea district. I am directed to report that the petitioner has no claim upon the colony. 12th June, 1888.

No. 345, Sess. 11., 1887.—Petition of J. P. Oakes (No. 1.) The petitioner claims the Waiharakeke land, and prays for a Crown grant thereof. I am directed to report that the petitioner has no claim on the colony. 12th June, 1888.

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No. 346. Sess. 11., 1887.—Petition of J. P. Oakes (No. 2.) The petitioner claims a piece of land on the Hokianga River, and prays that a Crown grant thereof may be given to him. I am directed to report that the petitioner has no claim on the colony. 12th June, 1888.

No. 280, Sess. 11., 1887.—Petition of G. G. Coopee and Others. The petitioner prays for the repeal of certain clauses in Nelson Crown lands leases. I am directed to report that, as relief may be given by a Bill now before the House, the Committee have no recommendation to make. 12th June, 1888.

No. 271, Sess. 11., 1887.—Petition of Thomas Feazee and 2 Others. The petitioners state that they are settlers in the Waihemo District, and that they have suffered a serious injustice through the Land Act of 1878, by which the price of sections was raised from £1 10s. to £3. I am directed to report that, as relief may be given by a Bill now before the House, the Committee have no recommendation to make. 12th June, 1888.

Naval and Militaey Settlees' and Volunteees' Land Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Naval and Military Settlers' and Volunteers' Land Bill, have the honour to report that they recommend that the Bill, as amended, be allowed to proceed ; and the Committee further recommend that a provision should be inserted in the Bill making the certificates transferable by indorsement. 12th June, 1888.

Nos. 175, 184, and 185.—Petitions of Feancis J. S. Peingle, James Bbown, and David Macaetney. The three petitioners state that they served in the Imperial Army in New Zealand during the Maori war. They pray that they may be given the grants of land to which they are entitled. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, these three petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration. 13th June, 1888.

No. 403, Sess. 11., 1887.—Petition of James M. Claeke. The petitioner prays that the line between the school-reserve and his property in the Parish of Waitara may be resurveyed and set out by the Government surveyor. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 13th June, 1888.

No. 302, Sess. 11., 1887.—Petition of J. D. Bakee and Others. The petitioners complain of the rents payable under the West Coast Settlements Act, and pray that a revaluation of the Waihi Block may be made. I am directed to report that, as relief may be given to the petitioners by a Bill now before the House, the Committee have no recommendation to make. 13th June, 1888.

No. 508, Sess. 11. 1887. —Petition of James Rogee and 67 Landowners, Catlin's River Settlement. The petitioners pray —(1) That as the survey of three blocks of land in the Catlin's River District has been completed, and access to them will have to be taken through private property, the necessary roads should be at once purchased ; (2) that survey of road-lines should be made before sale through all lands open for application ; (3) that, owing to the heavy traffic coming from the deferred-payment lands at the head of Owake Valley, a sum should be placed on the estimates for repair of Owake Valley Road. I am directed to report that, with regard to the former part of the petition, the Committee report that the Survey Department are carrying out the wishes of the petitioners, and, as to the latter part, the Committee recommend that the petitioners be referred to the local body for relief. 13th June, 1888.

Land foe Settlements Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the above-mentioned Bill, have the honour to report that they have duly considered the same. The Committee recommend that the Bill be allowed to proceed, subject to the amendments shown in a copy of the Bill attached. 13th June, 1888.

Endowment Reseeves Administeation Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the above Bill, have the honour to report that they have duly considered the same, and they recommend that it be allowed to proceed, subject to

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the amendment shown in a copy of the Bill attached, and with a clause embodying the resolution hereto appended. Resolution appended. Resolved, That a clause be added to the Bill providing that any lands put up for sale or lease under the provisions of the Public Reserves Act or this Act shall remain open for selection at the same upset price or rental for a period not exceeding twelve months after the date on which such land was put up for sale. 20th June, 1888.

No. 412, Sess. 11., 1887.—Petition of F. T. Mueeay and 26 Village Settlers, at Motukaraka. The petitioners pray that the Village Steward be directed to visit them regularly; that they still be allowed compensation for bushfelling, &c.; that roadwork be given to them, and that they be paid monthly for the same. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 28th June, 1888.

No. 3. —Petition of Benjamin Robinson. The petitioner states that prior to the year 1864 he received a land-order from the Government; that during the Maori war in 1864 he gave the order to Dr. Featherston. He prays that a search be made in the Crown Lands Office respecting his claim. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 28th June, 1888.

No. 471, Sess. 11., 1887, and No. 147 of 1888.—Petitions of Maetin Powee. The petitioner states that he surrendered his lands on the Waimate Plains to the Government, and received £90 compensation for his improvements. He prays that he may be granted a further sum of money, he being in bad health. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petitioner has no claim upon the colony. 28th June, 1888.

Nos. 18, 22, 30, and 53. —Petitions of Joseph Gowee and Heney Smith, William McAllan, Geoege Gbegg and 30 Others, and Alexandee McPheeson and 33 Others. The petitioners are deferred-payment settlers. They pray for a revaluation of their land and a readjustment of their financial position with the Government. I am directed to report that, as relief may be given to the parties signing these petitions by a Bill now before the House, the Committee have no recommendation to make. 28th June, 1888. .

No. 247, Sess. 11., 1887.—Petition of Maegaeet D. Biggs. The petitioner prays that she be allowed to select land in the Auckland District under a land scrip which has been lost. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner has no claim upon the colony. 28th June, 1888.

No. 2.—Petition of James Atkinson. The petitioner asks compensation for loss of land at Wanganui, which he alleges was cut off by the Government, and given to Mr. Churton. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the facts alleged in the petition are contrary to the evidence before them, and therefore the petitioner has no claim upon the colony. 28th July, 1888.

Nos. 12, 32, 47, 48, 49, 54, 56, 59, 94, 95, 117, 119, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133 of Sess. 11., 1887, and 215, 216, of 1888.—Petitions of Heney Poetee, Lieut.-Colonel A. Ceowe, William Love, John Joyce, John Love, William McKeevee, Heney S. Symes, William H. Clack, Simon Ryan, William Millee, James McCoemick, Samuel Hutchinson, William G. Gaeeaed, Robinson Spencee, William F. Mawe, Geoege Watson, Albeet Russell, Petee McKeaeney, and John Sadgeove. The petitioners severally pray that they may be given grants of land in consideration of their military services in New Zealand. I am directed to report that, in accordance with a previous resolution adopted by the Committee, these nineteen petitions are referred to the Government for consideration. 28th June, 1888.

Faie Rent and Peice of Land Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the above Bill, have the honour to report that they have duly considered the same, and they recommend that it be allowed to proceed, subject to the amendments shown in a copy of the Bill attached, 29th June, 1888.

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No. 129. —Petition of Feedeeick Laueie. The petitioner asks for compensation for land, and buildings thereon, situate at Kawhia, in the Auckland District, which property, he alleges, his father surrendered by order of the Government in 1860, during the Maori war. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 4th July, 1888.

No. 179. —Petition of John H. Lathan and Chaeles B. Knoepp. The petitioners state that in the years 1883, 1884, and 1885 they planted three parcels of land with forest-trees in the Waikato District; that they have received a sum of £576 7s. 6d., but have been refused payment by Government of two other sums of £484 and £513. They pray that these sums may now be paid to them. I am directed to report that, as the matter is now before the Legislature, the Committee are of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 4th July, 1888.

No. 298. —Petition of Geoege J. N. Beamish. The petitioner states that he was a captain in the 14th Regiment, and served with that corps for several years in New Zealand. He prays, as a reward for his services, that he may be given a grant or such other relief as may be deemed most fitting. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 4th July, 1888.

No. 108. —Petition of Bbenezee Black and Others. The petitioners state that they are deferred-payment settlers in the Mount Hyde district. They ask that the price of their land may be reduced. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, as the subject-matter of the petition is now under the consideration of Parliament, they have no recommendation to make. 4th July, 1888.

No. 43. —Petition of Benjamin Nayloe and Another. The petitioners state that they purchased land under the deferred-payment system at Lauder in the year ]875, and made improvements thereon; that the land was afterwards sold through their not having built homesteads thereon, and was repurchased by them at an advance on original price. They pray for inquiry and relief. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the report of the Waste Lands Committee in June, 1886, on a similar petition by the same petitioners, should be affirmed—viz., " That the petitioners have no claim." 4th July, 1888.

Nos. 322, 335, and 337.—Petitions of John McAnestey, John Foley, and Robeet Notton. The petitioners pray that, in return for their military services in New Zealand during the Maori war, they may be given grants of land. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, these three petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration. 6th July, 1888.

No. 182.—Petition of Chaeles A. Beown and 14 Others. The petitioners state that they are village settlers at Swanson and Waitakerei, in the Auckland District. They pray that their holdings may be altered from leasehold to freehold. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make. 6th July, 1888.

No. 208.—Petition of William Beown and Others. The petitioners pray that the Endowment Reserves Administration Bill may not become law, as it would seriously infringe on their financial interests in their endowments. I am directed to report that, as the Committee have already made recommendations on the Bill to which this petition objects, they have no further recommendation to make. 6th July, 1888. "

Land Acts Amendment Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the above Bill, have the honour to report that they have duly considered the same. They recommend that it be allowed to proceed, subject to the amendments shown in a copy of the Bill attached. 17th July, 1888.

Ellesmeee Lake Lands Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the above Bill, have the honour to report that they have duly considered the same. They recommend that the Bill be allowed to proceed without amendment. 18th July, 1888.

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State Foeests Act Amendment Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the above Bill, have the honour to report that they have duly considered the same. They recommend that it be allowed to proceed, subject to the amendments shown in a copy of the Bill attached. 20th July, 1888.

No. 346.—Petition of Michael Gill. The petitioner states that he served in the 57th Regiment and the Colonial Forces during the Maori war. He prays that a grant of land may be given to him. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 20th July, 1888.

No. 172. —Petition of R. M. Hawkes and Others. The petitioners state that in the year 1880 they entered into possession of lands in the Waikawau Block, under '•' The Homestead Act, 1877 ;" that they have not yet received Crown grants thereof. They pray that the grants be now issued. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government, with a recommendation that the Crown grants be issued to the petitioners. 20th July, 1888.

No. 236.—Petition of Stephen Eael. The petitioner states that in the year 1876 he purchased from one James Whitney, a discharged soldier of the 12th Regiment, a scrip for sixty acres of land ; that the land was selected for him in the Parish of Okahu, Kaipara. He prays that a Crown grant for said land may be issued to him. I am directed to report that the Committee reaffirms the report made to the House by the Waste Lands Committee in August, 1883, upon a similar petition from the same petitioner—viz., " That the attention of the Government be drawn to the memorandum signed by T. G. Waters (copy of which is attached), issued by the Crown Lands Department at Auckland, by which the petitioner seems to have been misled into purchasing the claim of one Whitney. That the Government be recommended to give effect to the prayer of the petition." 20th July, 1888.

Public Reseeves Sale Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the above Bill, have the honour to report that they have duly considered the same. They recommend that it be allowed to proceed, subject to the amendments shown in a copy of the Bill attached. 26th July, 1888. '

No. 239, Sess. 11., 1887. —Petition of James McCabe and Another. The petitioners state that they are the owners of two sections in Franklin South, Auckland; that in the year 1870 they put a caretaker in charge of the sections, and petitioners went to Humphrey's Gully, Westland ; that during their absence the sections were sold by the Government to a recrea-tion-ground committee. They pray that the sections may be restored to them. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the claim of the petitioners is a just one, and that the sections taken from them should be reconveyed to them. 31st July, 1888.

No. 224.—Petition of Leonaed Simpson. The petitioner states that, by direction of the Chief Surveyor, Auckland, in September, 1881, he commenced the survey of Block Paengaroa North, in the vicinity of Maketu ; that in March, 1882, the Chief Surveyor directed him to discontinue the survey ; that since that date the work has not been proceeded with; that petitioner agreed with the Natives to make no demand for payment until the completion of the survey; that he was nine months on the survey, and expended a sum of £215; that, owing to his agreement with the Natives, he is unable to recover this money. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 31st July, 1888.

No. 173.—Petition of Edwaed Lambeet. The petitioner states that in the year 1862 he received a school-teacher's land-order; that in the year 1863 he was called away to join the Volunteers, and was unable to carry out the conditions of his land-order. He prays that he may now be given the land or compensation therefor. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, petitioner has no claim on the colony. 31st July, 1888.

No. 121.—Petition of Thomas Mielett. The petitioner states that in the year 1864, prior to his emigrating to New Zealand, he purchased two land-grants for that colony in London ; that since his arrival he has been promised the land, but has not been given it. He prays that the land be now granted to him,

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I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the [Committee, the report of the Waste Lands Committee in October, 1884, on a similar petition from the same petitioner, should be reaffirmed— viz., " The petitioner not having complied with the terms of ' The Waste Lands Act, 1858,' the Committee cannot recommend his prayer to the favourable consideration of the House." 31st July, 1888.

Nos. 347, 380, 396, 397, 411, 424, and 428.—Petitions of William F. Mawe, Jesse Sage, William Watts, Chaeles R. Campbell, John Daly, Dugald McLadchlan, and Isaac Reading. The petitioners state that they served in the Imperial and Volunteer Forces in New Zealand during the Maori war. They pray that they maybe given grants of land or compensation for their services. I have the honour to report that, in terms of a resolution already arrived at, the Committee are of opinion the above seven petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration. 14th August, 1888.

No. 393. —Petition of Chaeles Mainwaeinu. The petitioner states that he served as an officer in the Indian Navy; that he arrived in Auckland in the year 1863 ; that he has not yet received the grant of land to which he is entitled as an officer of Her Majesty's Navy. He prays that the grant may now be given to him. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 14th August, 1888.

No. 365.—Petition of Maey Williams. The petitioner states that her husband, John Williams (now deceased), was a soldier in the 58th Regiment during the year 1858. Petitioner prays that the grant of land to which her husband was entitled for such service may now be granted to her. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 14th August, 1888.

No. 361. —Petition of J. W. Jackson and 26 Others, Pemberton Special Settlement. The petitioners state that they are "members of the Wanganui Small-farm Association ; that the association was formed under the regulations in force relating to special settlements ; and that one Dudley Eyre was appointed secretary to the association; that the said Dudley Eyre has absconded with a large sum of money intrusted to him by the members of the association for payment to the Receiver of Land Revenue and for other purposes. They pray for relief. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioners have no claim against the colony; but the Committee recommends that, under the heavy losses the petitioners have suffered through the defalcations of their secretary, they receive reasonable consideration in the matter of survey charges. Hth August, 1888.

No. 404.—Petition of Andeew Jack, Wade, Waitemata. The petitioner states that he has planted seven acres with forest-trees in the Provincial District of Auckland. He prays that he may receive the compensation to which he is entitled under the Act for the encouragement of tree-planting. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 17th August, 1888.

No. 462.—Petition of Edwaed Jones. The petitioner states that he served in the 58th Regiment and the Colonial Forces during the Maori war. He prays that a grant of land may be given to him. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 17th August, 1888.

No. 324. —Petition of R. Dickson and Others. The petitioners pray that a tract of land along the skirts of the Croyden Bush, and now infested with rabbits, should be cut up into fifty-acre sections, with a view to abating the nuisance and encouraging settlement. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 17th August, 1888.

No. 344.—Petition of Geobge McClban, Hawera. The petitioner scates that he purchased Section No. 100 in the Patea Survey District, which section was originally a grant to Katene (a Native) ; that he has been refused the title to said section on the ground that Katene had become a rebel; that in year 1886 a Bill was introduced in the House of Representatives legalising his title, but it was thrown out by the Legislative Council. He prays that his title be now granted to him.

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I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the Government should take the necessary steps to convey to the petitioner the property claimed by him in this petition. 17th August, 1888. *

No. 432. —Petition of Daniel Bate and 71 Others, Riwaka. The petitioners pray that a road be made through their settlement at Riwaka, with a view to opening up a larger tract of country. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 17th August, 1888.

No. 385.—Petition of John Cambeidge and 105 Others. The petitioners pray that the road through Section No. 119, Block XL, Leaning Rock District, be closed; that an inquiry be held as to certain surveys in said block; that full compensation be allowed for formation and maintenance of road during past years. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make. 17th August, 1888.

No. 111, Sess. 1., 1887. —Petition of the Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company. The petitioners state that in the year 1882 a contract was made between the Government of New Zealand and themselves for the construction, working, and maintenance of a line of railway between Wellington and Longburn ; that by clause 11 of the said contract it was agreed that in the event of the Government acquiring certain lands within a period of five years from the date of the said contract such lands or a proportionate part of the same should be granted to the company ; that petitioners have reason to believe that the Government have acquired a portion of the lands referred to in clause 11 of the contract. Petitioners pray that effect be given to the object and intent of clauses 11 and 12 of the said contract or to the alternative claim of the petitioners. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the company have no equitable claim upon the Government. (For evidence, &c, vide 1.-5b.) 17th August, 1888.

No. 484.—Petition of Chaeles L. Pembeeton and 41 Others. The petitioners state that they are members of the Pemberton Association; that their secretary, Dudley Eyre, has absconded with a large sum of money intrusted to him by them for payment to the Receiver of Land Revenue; that if their sections, owing to said defalcations, become forfeited many of the petitioners will be absolutely ruined. They pray for relief. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioners have no claim on the colony ; but the Committee recommend that, under the circumstances of the heavy losses the petitioners have suffered through the defalcations of their secretary, they receive reasonable consideration in the matter of survey charges; that petitioners be recommended to capitalise their payments; and that the Government be requested to exercise every possible leniency in dealing with these unfortunate settlers. 21st August, 1888.

Nos. 479, 480, and 485. —Petitions of Thomas Cameeon, Angus Cameeon, and Richaed Lowey. The petitioners state that they served in the Colonial Volunteer Forces during the Maori war. They pray that in return for their services they may be given grants of land. I am directed to report as follows : That, in the opinion of the Committee, these three petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration. 21st August, 1888.

No. 497.—Petition of John Lundon (No. 8). The petitioner states that when acting as agent for the Government he placed one hundred settlers on the Herekino Block, in the years 1886-87; that at the time of so placing these settlers he promised them that a road would be made through the block ; that in 1887 the Minister of Lands promised a vote for the formation of the road would be placed on the estimates. He prays that the money be now granted, and the road made through the Herekino Block from Kawakawa to Hokoronui. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 28th August, 1888. [Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, nil; printing (1,275 copies), £i> Is. Od.]

Authority : George Didsbuuy, Government Printer, Wellington.—lBBS.