REPORTS OF WASTE LAND COMMITTEE. (Mr. FULTON, CHAIRMAN.)

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1890 Session I, I-05

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1890. NEW ZEALAND.

REPORTS OF WASTE LAND COMMITTEE. (Mr. FULTON, CHAIRMAN.)

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

INDEX.

No. Petitions, &e. Page. No. Petitions, &c. Page. A. 88 J. Johnson, J. C, and Others 153 230 Anderson, D. .. Aylward, P., and Others 5 8 B. 87 K. Keown, J., and Others .. :■!■ 171 101 112 165 201 141 84 Bashford, T. H. Bates, R. Bell, J. Bennett, J. and E. Brightwell, T., and Others Brown, P., and Others .. Brown, P. S., and Others 6 5 6 4 6 4 2 8 "423 L. Lindsay, Anne Lusk, D. H. .. 1 6 135 M. 122 160 107 219 286 183 203 202 73 19 85 157 c. Cameron, J., and Others Campbell, J. Cartman, R. H. Carter, T. Clapperton, J. P., and Others Clarke, A., and Another .. Cleaver, W, and Others Cockerill, P. Coleman, G. .. Copley, W. Corns, W., and Others Crowe, J. 3 4 3 6 S 7 7 7 2 1 2 5 39 162 16 187 109 93 Macalister, P. .. Mackenzie, Thomas, Alleged Dummyism of Marshall, A. McAuley, J. McKenzie, Margaret Mitchell, C. P., and Others Moody, J. P., and Others Murray, P. 4 4 3 7 2 7 3 2,517 P. Peterson, P. A., and Others 2' 156 Q. Quy, A., and Others 8 239 R. 83 102 D. Day, P. P., and Others Dittmer, A. P. .. Dummyism Dummyism,'Alleged, of Mr. T. Mackenzie 2 3 5 4 Revell, P. H. .. S. Scholium, J., and Others Simpson, J. Skinner, W. II. Smith, A., and Others Smith, R. V., and Others Smyth, J. Spain, R. E. 142 "458 224 190 306 222 284 4 4 8 0 8 8 8127 Evans, R. .. 279 183 F. Farley, G. Prazer, O, and Another .. 8 7 T. 56 57 265 148 111 G. 290 22 Tait, C. .. Taylor, S. R. .. Todman Land-grant Bill 8 31 Gardiner, D. .. Garrard, W. J. (No. 1) .. Garrard, W. J. (No. 2) .. Glover, J. P., and Others Greenwood, J. D. 2 2 8 7 6 w. Wade, J. E., and Others Waikato Land Association Watt, W. T. .. Wells, I). Wilson, W. A. .. 24 212 H. Horn, J., and Others Hurst, A. W. .. 104 33 293 100 182 2 6 8 4 7 2 7 * Session 1889.

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1890. NEW ZEALAND.

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

OEDERS OF REFERENCE. Extracts from the Journals of the House of Representatives. Wednesday, the 25th Day of June, 1890. Ordered, " That Standing Order No. 178 be suspended, in order that a Select Committee of fourteen members be appointed to consider all Bills and petitions that may be introduced into this House affecting the waste lands of the Crown, and to report generally on the principles and provisions which they contain ; with power to confer or sit together with any similar Committee which may be appointed by the Legislative Council, and to agree to a joint or separate report; to have power to send for persons, papers, and records ; five to be a quorum: the Committee to consist of the Hon. Mr. Ballance, Mr. Cowan, Mr. Fulton, Mr. Jones, Mr. Kerr, Mr. Macarthur, Mr. J. McKenzie, Mr. Ormond, Mr. Rhodes, Mr. Saunders, Mr. Smith, Mr. R. Thompson, Mr. Whyte, and the mover."—(Hon. Mr. G. F. Richabdson.) Ordered, " That the Bill intituled the Todman Land-grant Bill stand referred to the Waste Lands Committee for report."

Fbiday, the 4th Day or July, 1890. Ordered, " That, allegations having been made that dummyisrn has taken place in regard to the selection of land in the Canterbury District and elsewhere, it be an instruction to the Waste Lands Committee to inquire into and report as early as possible upon the truth of such allegations ; and what steps, if any, ought to be taken in regard to such dummyism, if it exists." —(Hon. Mr. Hislop.)

Thubsday, the 17th Day of July, 1890. Ordered, " That the papers and map laid on the table of the House by Mr. Duncan at the end of his speech on Thursday, the 10th July, be referred to the Waste Lands Committee for the purpose of investigating and reporting upon the alleged dummyism of Thomas Mackenzie ; that there be also laid before the Committee copies of all correspondence between the Minister of Lands, the Otago Land Board, and Thomas Mackenzie regarding the opening for sale of the land purchased by the said Thomas Mackenzie's several applications, a copy of the application granted by the Otago Land Board, and all other papers in possession of the Land Department referring to the said purchase." —(Mr. Duncan.)

Wednesday, the 23kd Day of July, 1890. Ordered, " That Standing Order No. 178 be suspended, and that the name of Mr. W. P. Reeves be added to the Waste Lands Committee.—(Hon. Mr. Ballance.)

Todman Land-grant 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 have made no amendments therein. They recommend that the Bill be allowed to proceed. Ist July, 1890.

No. B.—Petition of Anne Lindsay. The petitioner states that she is the widow of Samuel Lindsay, who served as a soldier in the 58th Eegiment during the Maori war. She prays that a grant of land may be given to her. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. Ist July, 1890.

No. 19.—Petition of William Copley. The petitioner states that in the year 1880 he took up Section 9, Block XXXI., Limehills, under deferred payment, paying for 10 acres at the rate of £7 10s. per acre, and that he made his final payment in 1884, but that his neighbours, who took up adjoining sections on the same terms, were in arrears when " The Selectors' Lands Devaluation Act, 1889," came into force. As these Jatter have received a reduction in the price of their land, he prays that he may be treated in a similar manner. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom this petition was referred, have the honour to report that they have no recommendation to make. 17th July, 1890.

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

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No. 17.—Petition of P. A. Peteeson and 469 other Gum-diggers. The petitioners state that for a number of years the Bluff Swamp—Waipoua Survey District—has been used for gum-digging purposes ; that, having heard that the Government are about to sell the swamp to a private party, they pray that the property may not be sold, but retained for gumdigging purposes. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom this petition was referred, have the honour to report that they have no recommendation to make. - 17th July, 1890.

No. 16.—Petition of Maegabet McKenzie. The petitioner states that she purchased from the Government two sections containing 100 acres at Martin's Bay; that, owing to frequent slips, her land has become covered with shingle, and is almost useless. She prays that Government will give her a grant of 50 acres of land adjoining her present holding. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom this petition was referred, have the honour to report that they recommend that the petition be referred to Government for consideration. 17th July, 1890. _______________

No. 24.—Petition of James Hobn and 20 Others. The petitioners state they are agricultural-lease holders under deferred-payment system in the Wakatipu district. They pray that a clause may be inserted in " The Selectors' Lands Eevaluation Act, 1889," extending the provisions thereof to agricultural-lease holders. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom this petition was referred, have the honour to report that they are of opinion that the petition should be referred to Government for consideration. 18th July, 1890.

No. 57.—Petition of W. G. Gabkaed (No. 1). The petitioner prays that his claim for a grant of land, for services performed in the British Navy during Maori war, may be considered. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom this petition was referred, have the honour to report that they are of opinion this petition should be referred to Government for consideration. 18th July, 1890.

Nos. 83, 84, and 85.—Petitions of F. F. Day and Others, P. S. Bbown and Others, and William Coens and Others. The petitioners pray for the immediate construction of the already-surveyed Kamo-Puhipuhi Tramway extension, the present roads being incapable of carrying the traffic of the district. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom these three petitions have been referred, have the honour to report that they are of opinion that, the subject-matter of these petitions being a question of public policy, they should be referred to Government for consideration. 22nd July, 1890.

No. 56.—Petition of David Gardinee. The petitioner states that he is the owner of a deferred-payment section at Waikaka; that previous to the passing of "The Selectors' Lands Eevaluation Act, 1889," being pressed by Government, he raised money and paid up all his instalments; that his neighbour, who was in arrears, has now got a large reduction in the price of his land under the provisions of above-quoted Act. Petitioner prays for relief. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom this petition was referred, have the honour to report that they have no recommendation to make. 22nd July, 1890.

No. 73.—Petition of Geobge Coleman. The petitioner states that in May, 1889, he, as agent for one Turner, lodged an application with the Land Board, Christchurch, for 32 acres of land in the Spaxton Survey District, and at the same time handed in a deposit of £12 165.; that during petitioner's absence in England the application became forfeited and the deposit was lodged to revenue. He prays that the money may be returned to Turner. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom this petition was referred, have the honour to report that they are of opinion that petitioner has no claim. 22nd July, 1890.

No. 104.—Petition of J. E. Wade and Others. The petitioners state that they are settlers and intending bidders for the small grazing-runs on the Station Peak. They pray that the upset rentals on these runs may be reduced to 9d. per acre. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they have no recommendation to make upon this petition. 31st July, 1890.

No. 93.—Petition of Petee Mueeay. (Fibst Eepoet.) The petitioner states that in the year 1882 he purchased Section 37, Block 111., Otago Peninsula District, believing that the boundary-lines thereof, as shown on the Crown grant and title-deeds, were correct; that on subsequent survey the section boundary has been found to be overlapped by the boundary of Sections Nos. 35, 36, 38, and 39 of the same block. He prays for compensation.

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The Waste Lands Committee, to whom this petition was referred, have the honour to report that they are of opinion that the report of the Waste Lands Committee in August, 1889, on a similar petition from the same petitioner, should be reaffirmed—viz., " That the petitioner, as appears by the documentary evidence, has a valid claim against the Government, which has not, in the opinion of the Committee, been met by the offer of £50. The Committee therefore recommend that the Government should take steps to come to terms with the petitioner on a fair and equitable basis." ■ 31st July, 1890.

No. 102.—Petition of A. P. Dittmee. The petitioner states that in November, 1888, at a sale of Crown lands, he purchased, on deferredpayment system, a section of land in the Woodville Survey District; that, owing to his having purchased the land subsequent to the Ist January, 1888, he cannot obtain relief under the provisions of the Lands Eevaluation Act. He prays for relief. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion this petition should be referred to Government for consideration. 31st July, 1890.

No. 107.—Petition of E. H. Caetman. The petitioner states he served in the colonial forces for fourteen years during Maori wars. He prays for a grant of land or compensation. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion this petition should be referred to Government for consideration. 31st July, 1890.

Nos. 109 and 122.—Petitions of J. P. Moody and Others and John Camebon and Others. The petitioners state they are residents in the North Auckland district; that the district has been settled for many years, but there is no main road through it. They pray that provision be made for the construction of the main trunk line of road north from Devonport. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom these petitions have been referred, have the honour to report that they are of opinion that these two petitions should be referred to Government for consideration. 31st July, 1890.

No. 87.—Petition of John Keown and Others. The petitioners state that they purchased land, the property of the School Commissioners, in the Wendon, Wendonside, and Longridge districts, on the " terms system." They pray that they may receive the same relief as their neighbours who purchased on the deferred-payment system. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom this petition was referred, have the honour to report that they are of opinion that that the report of the Waste Lands Committee in August, 1889, on a similar petition from the same petitioners, should be reaffirmed—viz., "That the Committee approve of the action of the School Commissioners, as set forth in their letter to the Minister of Lands dated 14th August, 1889, and the Committee therefore have no recommendation to make." 31st July, 1890.

No. 127. —Petition of Bobebt Evans. The petitioner states that he served in the colonial forces during the Maori war; that he holds an Imperial and colonial medal for such services. He prays for a grant of land. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. sth August, 1890.

No. 39.—Petition of Alexandee Maeshall. The petitioner states that in 1876 he emigrated from England to the colony ; that previous to sailing he received a promise of a grant of land for himself, and the same for his wife ; that he has not yet been granted the land. He prays for relief. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom this petition was referred, have the honour to report that they are of opinion that petitioner should be allowed to select his land, and that residential conditions should not be enforced against him. sth August, 1890.

No. 22.—Petition of Samuel E. Taylok. The petitioner states that about twenty years since he purchased a section of land at Waiongona, Taranaki, from a man named Griffith ; that at the time of purchasing the section he was given to understand that the title was good ; that fourteen years after the purchase he went to the office of the Commissioner of Crown Lands to get his title-deeds; that he was unable to obtain his deed, and thereby was prevented selling his property, and incurred a loss of £200. He prays for compensation. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that petitioner has not substantiated his claim. 6th August, 1890,

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The Charge of Alleged Dummyism by Mb. Thomas Mackenzie, M.H.E., as pbbfebbed by Mr. Duncan, M.H.E., in the House, on 10th July, 1890. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom this matter was remitted, have the honour to report — (1.) That in August, 1889, unsurveyed land in Tautuku Bush was declared open for application as second-class land, at an upset price of 15s. per acre. (2.) That in August and September of the same year Mr. Thomas Mackenzie applied for 1,000 acres, in five selections, all in his own name. (3.) That these five applications were, after some alterations by the Survey Department, subsequently approved, and the land apportioned to Mr. Thomas Mackenzie in two blocks almost contiguous to one another, at the upset price. (4.) That on appearing before the Waste Lands Committee Mr. Thomas Duncan said, " I wish to withdraw any remark I made in the House as connecting Mr. Thomas Mackenzie with dummyism." He (Mr. Duncan) afterwards said, " I meant ' gridironing.' " (5.) That Mr. Duncan seems to have been misled by a map, anonymously sent to him, and by statements in the public Press. (6.) That the charges of "dummyism" and "gridironing" made in the House on the 10th July by Mr. Duncan against Mr. Thomas Mackenzie have been disproved. 6th August, 1890. " "

No. 100. —Petition of Daniel Wells. The petitioner states that in 1879 he took up 96 acres of land in Four-fathom Bay, Pelorus Sound, at £2 an acre ; that in succeeding year, 1880, the remainder of the land was sold at £1 per acre. Ho prays for a reduction in the price of his land. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that this is one of those unfortunate cases in which persons who fulfilled the obligations imposed on them by law are placed, in respect of the Lands Eevaluation Act, in a worse position than those who failed to do so. The Committee have no recommendation to make. 15th August, 1890. ________________

No. 165.' —Petition of James and Emilt Bennett. The petitioners pray that compensation may be awarded to them for injury done to their land in the Waikawau Block by the trespassing of miners and others under the authority of the Warden of the district. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Goldfields and Mines Committee for consideration. 15th August, 1890.

No. 160.'—Petition of James Campbell. The petitioner prays that he may be given compensation for injury done to his land at Tapu Creek by the trespassing of miners and others under the authority of the Warden of the district. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they recommend that this petition be referred to the Goldfields and Mines Committee for consideration. 15th August, 1890.

No. 458 of 1889. —Petition of James Simpson. The petitioner states that in the year 1864 he purchased from the Government certain lots of land in the Township of Matakana; that in 1867 a Crown grant was issued to him which contained a number of other sections of far larger acreage; that he has applied to several Governments to have the matter rectified without success. He prays for relief. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they have no recommendation to make on this petition. 15th August, 1890.

No. 135. —Petition of Edward Macalistbb. The petitioner states that in 1878 he purchased 191 acres of land in the Hokonui district on de-ferred-payment system ; that up to the year 1888 he had paid up £367 of the purchase-money ; that he then fell into arrear in his payments, and the land became forfeited ; that his improvements have been valued by the Land Board at £392 95.; that the said land is now gazetted for sale at an upset price of £1 10s. per acre; that the sum he has already paid in instalments is more than the present upset price of the land. He prays that he may be reinstated in his farm. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 19th August, 1890.

Nos. 141 and 142.—Petitions of Edward Brown and Others and John Schollum and Others. The petitioners state they are residents in the North Auckland district; that the district has been settled for many years, but there, is no main road through it. They pray that provision may be made for the construction of the main trunk road north from Devonport. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they recommend these two petitions should, be referred to the Government for consideration. 19th August, 1890.

No. 88.—Petition of J. C. Johnson and Others. The petitioners state they are settlers in the districts of Opuawhanga, Wairahi, and Wananaki, They pray that a road may be made through their settlements.

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The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration ; and the Committee recommend that an arrangement. should be made with the Native owners and the Whangarei County Council for the acquisition of the land necessary to construct a road through the districts named in the petition. 19th August, 1890.

No. 101.—Petition of Eussell Bates. The petitioner states that in June, 1888, he applied for a section in the Kai-iwi Block, Opunake; that in October of the same year he received verbal permission from Mr. Baber, surveyor, to occupy his selection at an upset price of ss. per acre ; that, relying on Mr. Baber's statement, he effected a number of improvements on the section ; that in 1889 the section was advertised at an upset price of 7s. 6d. per acre ; that, owing to the large amount he (petitioner) had already spent on the section, he was compelled to take it at the latter price. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that petitioner has no claim upon the colony. 19th August, 1890.

Interim Eepoet.—Dummyism. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the present provisions of the Land Act have led to evasions, and that therefore some amendments are urgently required. 22nd August, 1890. _____

No. 93.—Petition of Petek Mubbay. (Second Report.) The petitioner states that in the year 1882 he purchased Section 37, Block 111, Otago Peninsula district, believing that the boundary-lines thereof, as shown on the Crown grant and title-deeds, were correct; that on subsequent survey the section boundary has been found to be overlapped by the boundary of Sections Nos. 35, 36, 38, and 39 of the same block. He prays for compensation. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom this petition was referred back for reconsideration by order of the House dated the 31st July, 1890, have the honour to report that they are of opinion that the sum of £150 should be paid to the petitioner as compensation for his loss, and in full settlement of all demands. 29th August, 1890.

Dummyism. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that, the evidence adduced before them during the dummyism inquiry having shown conclusively that the Land Acts have been in a number of instances evaded by false declarations, made with a view to dummying, the Committee is of opinion that it is the duty of the Government to take steps to enforce the law; and recommend that offenders, against whom a charge will lie, be prosecuted with a view to the putting a stop to the like practices in future. 2nd September, 1890.

No. 157. —Petition of John Cbowe. The petitioner states that in June, 1882, he purchased on deferred payment a section of land in the Taringatura district at £3 6s. per acre, the upset price being £1 55.; that up to January, 1886, he had paid up on account of purchase the sum of £91 25.; that on that date, he being in arrear with his payments, the section was declared forfeited; that his improvements have been valued by the Land Board at £268 55.; that the land was regazetted in 1888 at an upset price of 15s. per acre, which would amount to a total purchase of £138 ; that the land is still vacant. Petitioner prays that he may be reinstated in his section, and allowed to receive the benefit of " The Selectors' Lands Revaluation Act, 1889." The W T aste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they consider the case of the petitioner a very hard one, and recommend the petition to the most favourable consideration of the Government. 3rd September, 1890.

No. 153. —Petition of David Anderson. The petitioner states that in 1879 he purchased on deferred payment two sections of land in the Taringatura district at the upset price of £3 per acre ; that up to August, 1888, he had paid up on account of purchase-money £250 45., with interest £60 6s. Bα. ; that on the latter date, petitioner being in arrear with his payments, the lands were forfeited ; that the Land Board has valued his improvements at £293 175.; that in January, 1889, the sections were regazetted at an upset price of £1 per acre, which would amount to a total purchase of £277 6s. Petitioner prays that he may be reinstated in his sections, and allowed to come under the benefit of " The Selectors' Lands Revaluation Act, 1889." The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they consider the case of the petitioner a very hard one, and recommend the petition to the most favourable consideration of the Government.

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No. 219. —Petition of Thomas Cabteb. The petitioner states that, being induced by the provisions of " The Forest Trees PlantingEncouragement Act, 1871," he planted with forest-trees over 124 acres upon the Hiilersden and Wantwood Buns, his property ; that he has complied with all the provisions of the Act except as to sections 6 and 8. He prays that a land-order may be granted to him in accordance with the Act. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that, inasmuch as Mr. Carter has fulfilled all the requirements of the Forest Trees Planting Encouragement Acts of 1871 and 1872, with the single exception of giving the required notice to inspect, this Committee is of opinion that the land applied for should be granted to him so soon as the Lands Department has satisfied itself that the planting is satisfactory. 3rd September, 1890.

No. 112.—Petition of John Bell. The petitioner states that in the year 1883 he purchased an allotment in Chapel Street, Auckland ; that prior to his purchase the said allotment was surveyed by a Government surveyor, who afterwards gave evidence in the Land Transfer Court to the effect that this allotment was of the specified area; that by subsequent survey the allotment has been found to be deficient in area to the extent of 83J square feet; that petitioner has been offered £50 compensation by the Government, which he does not consider sufficient. He prays for further consideration. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration, with a recommendation that the sum of £100 be granted to petitioner in full satisfaction of his claim.

No. 111. —Petition of J. D. Greenwood. The petitioner states that prior to July, 1888, he had been the leaseholder of a run in Canterbury called Teviotdale; that he paid his rent annually in advance on. the Ist May ; that on the Ist May, 1888, he paid his rent as usual in advance, and when doing so pointed out to the Commissioner that he might lose his rent if the run was sold to another party in July of same year, for which date the sale of it was then advertised ; that the Commissioner stated that if such occurred the rent paid by petitioner would be refunded to him; that in July, 1888, petitioner purchased the run himself, and the Commissioner refuses to carry out his promise and refund the rent. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that the petitioner must have known that rent once paid in could not be refunded, it being one of the conditions of his occupation of the land. The Committee therefore are of opinion that petitioner has no claim. 3rd September, 1890.

No. 190.—Petition of Aethub Smith and Others. The petitioners pray that the remaining portion of Bun No. 199, Otago, consisting of 10,930 acres, may be divided into four small runs, so as to enable them, who are local settlers, to take them up. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government, with a recommendation that the prayer of the petition be acceded to. 4th September, 1890.

No. 423 of 1889.—Petition of D. H. Lusk. The petitioner states that he served as an officer in the colonial forces during the Maori warsHe prays that no technical objection may be raised to his receiving a grant of land for his servicesThe Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 4th September, 1890.

No. 171.—Petition of T. H. Bashfoed. The petitioner states that he served in the colonial forces during the Maori war. He prays that he may be given a grant of land for his services. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 4th September, 1890.

No. 33.—Petition of the Waikato Land Association. The petitioners state they are the owners of land in the Waikato district; that prior to the year 1885 the association planted with forest-trees 142 acres and 22 perches of their land, with the object of obtaining a grant of land under the Forest Trees Planting Encouragement Acts of 1871 and 1872 ; that in 1885 petitioners applied for a land-order under the provisions of the said Acts, but the same has been withheld. They pray for consideration and relief. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that a landorder in proportion to the area planted should be issued to the petitioners by the Government. 4th September, 1890.

No. 201.— PeOion of T. Bbightwell and 26 Others. The petitioners state that they are village settlers at Woodville; that their holdings are not large enough to live upon ; that by the rules of village settlement they are debarred from acquiring more land. They pray for legislation for their relief,

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The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 4th September, 1890. "

No. 212.—Petition of A. W. Hubst, The petitioner states he served in the colonial forces during the Maori wars. He prays for a grant of land. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 4th September, 1890.

No. 148. —Petition of J. B. Glovee and Others. The petitioners pray that Bun No. 109, Otago, may be cut up into small runs at the expiration of the current pastoral lease, thereby making provision for settlement in the district. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that it is desirable that Eun No. 109, Otago, should as soon as possible be thrown open on settlement conditions. 9th September, 1890.

No. 162.—Petition of John McAuley. The petitioner states that he purchased 80 acres of land with a house thereon near the mouth of the Waipu Eiver, and occupied the same for twelve months ; that he applied at the Land Ofnce, Auckland, for the purchase of said section, and was there promised he should get it when surveyed; that eight months after his application, and before survey, the section was conveyed by perpetual lease to one Carlton; that petitioner has now lost the section, after spending £30 upon it. He prays for relief. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that it appears that, in the absence of the Chief Commissioner from Auckland, and through some inadvertence, the petitioner did not receive personal notice that the land which he was occupying would be open for application, and he thus was turned out of his house and lost the value of his improvements. The Committee recommend that the value of these improvements be placed to petitioner's credit in any application he may make for land in the district. 9th September, 1890.

No. 182.—Petition of W. A. Wilson. The petitioner states that he is the owner of a section in Block IV., Portobello, Otago ; that his section was bounded by a road-line ; that at the request of the Superintendent of Otago he agreed, in 1865, to allow a road to be made through his land on condition that he was given the road bounding his property ; that the agreement has not been carried out. He prays for redress. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that petitioner has no claim upon the colony. 9th September, 1890.

. ■ No. 187. —Petition of C. P. Mitchell and Others. The petitioners state that several years since they took up sections of land on lease in the Ohinemuri Goldfields at a rental of Is. per acre for the first seven years, Is. 6d. for the second seven years, and 2s. for the third seven years ; that, owing to representations made to the Government, they were offered the freehold of the land at ss. per acre, if arrears of rent to year 1884 were paid up; that they have now memorialised the Government to reduce the price of their land, and been informed that such cannot be done. They pray for relief. . The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 9th September, 1890.

No. 183.—Petition of Alexander Claeke and C. Fbazeb. The petitioners pray that a road may be made through their property in Block IV., Otago Peninsula Survey District. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that, the matter of this petition being a question for the local body to deal with, they have no recommendation to make thereon. 9th September, 1890.

No. 202.—Petition of F. Cockebill. The petitioner states that he is the owner of a section in the Blueskin district; that his neighbours have put fences across the surveyed road to his section. He prays for relief. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that, the matter of this petition being a question for the local body to deal with, they have no recommendation to make thereon. 9th September, 1890.

No. 203. —Petition of W. Cleaveb and Others. The petitioners state they are deferred-payment settlers holding land in Taranaki; that they have paid up their instalments. They pray that their holdings may be brought under the provisions of "The Selectors' Lands Eevaluation Act, 1889," and that they may receive a refund of portion of their payments. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they have no recommendation to make upon this petition. 9th September, 1890.

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No. 230.—Petition of Edwaed Aylwaed and Others. The petitioners state that they are settlers in the Cape district, Taranaki. They pray for a reduction in the valuation of their land. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that the petitioners have no claim upon the colony. 9th September, 1890.

Nos. 224, 239, 265, 279, 284, and 293.—Petitions of W. H. Skinnbe, F. H. Bevell, W. G. Gaeeaed (No. 2), Geoege Faeley, Eichaed Spain, and W. T. Watt. The petitioners pray that they may be given grants of land for their services in the colonial forces during the Maori war. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that these six petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration. 9th September, 1890.

No. 286.—Petition of J. F. Clappeeton and Others. The petitioners pray that Section No. 662 on the plan of the Borough of Palmerston North may be handed over to them for the purposes and requirements of the town. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they have no recommendation to make upon this petition. 9th September, 1890.

No. 222.—Petition of John Smyth. The petitioner states that in 1876 he purchased Crown lands in the district of Mercury Bay and paid for 138 acres; that, owing to the documents connected with the first Government survey being accidentally burned, a second survey was made and petitioner was allotted only 114 acres; that he had paid for his land with land-scrips. He prays that he may be given the balance of the land he is entitled to, or its value in money. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government with a recommendation that petitioner should be allowed to take up ten pounds' worth of land in lieu of scrip. 13th September, 1890.

No. 156.—Petition of Aethue Quy and Others. The petitioners state they hold sections in the Hohonu Survey District on the deferred-payment system ; that, owing to the mining operations at Kumara, the bed of the Teremakau Eiver has been considerably raised, thereby causing their lands to be flooded and their crops injured. They pray for relief. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that petitioners should be recommended to apply to the local Land Board for a revaluation of their land. 13th September, 1890.

No. 306.—Petition of E. V. Smith and Others. The petitioners state that they are holders of sections on the deferred-payment system in the Forty-mile Bush, Wellington District. They pray for a reduction in the valuation of their land. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they have no recommendation to make upon this petition. 13th September, 1890.

No. 290. —Petition of Cheistophee Tait. The petitioner states that he is the owner of two sections in the Kopuaranga district; that, owing to the Government surveyor having wrongly placed the pegs marking his boundary, petitioner has been involved in law proceedings and other expenses. He prays for consideration. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they have no recommendation to make upon this petition. 13th September, 1890. [Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, nil; printing (1,250 copies), £ 5135.]

Authority: George Didsbuby, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB9o.