REPORTS OF WASTE LANDS COMMITTEE. (Mr. R. THOMPSON, CHAIRMAN.)

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1891 Session II, I-05

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SESS. 11.—1891. NEW ZEALAND.

REPORTS OF WASTE LANDS COMMITTEE. (Mr. R. THOMPSON, CHAIRMAN.)

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

INDEX.

No. Petitions, jfec. Page. No. Petitions, &c. Page. 207 A. Andrew, T., and Others L. Land Bill 3 B. M. 1 5 2 2 4 4 2 471 5 6 67 304 245 109 Matthews, J. W. McCormick, J. .. Mclnnes, J. McLean, G. .. McLean Land Bill Millett, T., and Comes, A. R. Moore, G., and Others .. Bates, R. .. .. Borough Reserves Vesting and Sale Bill .. c. 116 20 61 33 18 301 Cameron, CM. Campbell, J. and A. Chesterman, W. Clarke, W., and Others Clarkson, Mary Comes, A. R., and Millett, T. 4 2 2 1 1 4 301 101 N. Now Zealand Institute of Surveyors Bill .. 4 D. Dobson, J., and Others P. 1 5 2 2 1 361 46 414 222 83 58 Pearec, J. Pelorus Road Board Perry, W. Power, M. Pyo, Mary Ann E. 251 13 *5 Earl, S. Educational Endowments and Reserves Management and Exchange Bill Eichbaum, E. W., and Others Ellison, H. 5 6 1 2 462 22 69 R. Rakaia (South) Road Board Ray, R., and Others Revell, F. H., and Others 5 3 1 390 184 F. FitzGerald, E., and Others Forsyth, J. 4 3 SSeleotors' Land Revaluation Continuance and Amendment Bill Simpson, J. Slattery, Captain M. Speer, T. Stewart A., and Others .. 3 2 1 3 4 45 16 239 178 G. Glendinning, R., and Hazlett, J. Goldie, G. Gray, J. Guy, Mary 1 2 3 4 43 *3 57 185 498 24 586 T. 5 1 6 H. Havelock Town Board Hawson, G. 0. .. Hazlett, J., and Glendinning, R. .. Holliday, W., and Others Hurst, Lieutenant C E. Taylor, S. R. .. Timms, W. Thurston, 0.6. 415 38 45 6 •19 5 3 1 1 1 413 186 w. Wakelin, G. K., and Others Watt, J., and Others 5 4 *6ei ss. I.

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Sess. 11.—1891. NEW ZEALAND.

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

ORDER OP REFERENCE. Extract from the Journals of the House of Representatives. Fbiday, the 12th Day of June, 1891. Ordered, " That a Committee be appointed, consisting of ten members, 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 and sit together with any similar Committee which may be appointed by the Legislative Council, and to agree to a joint or separate report; the Committee to have power to call for persons, papers, and records ; three to be a quorum. The Committee to consist of the Hon. Mr. Richardson, Mr. Duncan, Mr. W. C. Smith, Mr. Rhodes, Mr. Meredith, Mr. C. H. Mills, Mr. R. Thompson, Mr. Macintosh, Mr. Hogg, and the mover." —(Hon. Mr. J. McKenzie.) [Name of Hon. Mr. Rolleston added 21st July.]

Nos. 3 and 19, Sess. I. —Petitions of Captain M. Slattery and Lieutenant C. E. Huest. Nos. 6, 18, 24, 33, 46, 58, and 69, Sess. ll.— Petitions of W. Holliday and 10 Others, Maby Claekson, W. Timms, W. Clarke and 2 Others, James Peabce, Maby Ann Pye, and F. H. Eevell and 5 Others. Petitioners pray that grants of land may be given to them for military services performed by them or their deceased husbands during the Maori wars. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that these nine petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration. 23rd June, 1891.

No. 67, Sess. ll.—Petition of John W. Mathews. Petitioner prays for inquiry as to loss sustained by him through technicalities in the Native land laws. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Native Affairs Committee. 30th June, 1891.

No. 45, Sess. ll.—Petition of James Hazlett and Eobeet Glendining. Petitioners pray for legislation enacting that " The Public Works Act Amendment Act, 1889," shall not apply to the Shag Point Eailway. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that, in order to develop other coal-mines in the district, it is absolutely necessary that the Eailway Commissioners should have full control over the Shag Point Branch Eailway. The Committee therefore recommend that the Government should forthwith purchase the interest of the proprietors in this branch line at its present value, such value to be ascertained by arbitration. 3rd July, 1891.

No. 13, Sess. ll.—Petition of E. W. Bichbaum and 60 Others. Petitioners pray that the Government may purchase land at Pleasant Point, or its neighbourhood and establish a special settlement thereon for bond fide working-men. 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. 7th July, 1891. I—l. 5.

REPORTS OF WASTE LANDS COMMITTEE. (Mr. B. THOMPSON, CHAIRMAN.)

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No. 5, Sess. I.—Petition of Henby Ellison. Petitioner prays for assistance from the Government to enable him to recover certain survey fees from the secretary of the Masterton-Mangahao Special Settlement Association. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that the petitioner has no claim upon the colony. 7th July, 1891.

No. 83, Sess. ll. —Petition of Maetin Power. Petitioner states he surrendered land on the Waimate Plains to the Government, and received £90 as compensation for improvements made thereon. He prays that he may be given a further sum of money. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that the report of the Waste Lands Committee in June, 1888, on a similar petition from the same petitioner, should be affirmed—viz., that the petitioner has no claim upon the colony. 7th July, 1891.

No. 20, Sess. ll.—Petition of John and Alexander Campbell. Petitioners pray for compensation for loss sustained by them through not complying with the regulations laid down for the purchase of their leased lands at Tuapeka. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that the petitioners have not any claim upon the colony. 3rd July, 1891.

No. 43, Sess. ll.—Petition of James Simpson, of Awanui. Petitioner prays that he may be awarded compensation for the loss of his land, at Auckland, through delay in the issue of his Crown grant. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that petitioner lias no claim upon the Government. 14th July, 1891.

No. 101, Sess. ll.—Petition of Geobge Moore and Others, of Berwick. Petitioners state they are holders of small grazing-runs. They pray legislation to make "The Selectors' Land Revaluation Act, 1889," applicable to their holdings. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that this petition should be referred to Government for consideration. 14th July, 1891.

No. 109, Sess. ll.—Petition of George McLean, of Hawera. Petitioneb states he purchased a section of land in the Patea Survey District; that said section was originally a Crown grant to one Katene (a Native); that he has been refused the title to the section on the grounds that Katene had become a rebel. He prays that his title may be granted to him. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that the reports of the Waste Lands Committee in 1889 and 1888, on similar petitions from the same petitioner, should be reaffirmed—viz., the Committee recommend that the Government should take the necessary steps to convey to the petitioner the property claimed by him. 14th July, 1891.

Nos. 222 and 245, Sess. ll.—Petitions of William Peebt and James Mclnness. Petitioners pray for grants of land for military services rendered during Maori wars. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they recommend that these two petitions be referred to the Military and Naval Claims Committee for consideration. 24th July, 1891.

No. 16, Sess. ll.—Petition of George Goldie, of Auckland. Petitioner states that through an alleged error in the wording of a Crown grant, issued in 1869 to one Bartholomew Innes, he has been defrauded by the latter of £25. He prays for compensation. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that petitioner has no claim against the Government. 24th July, 1891.

No. 61, Sess. ll.—Petition of William Chestebman, of Greymouth. Petitioner states that in 1880 he tendered for a lease from the Government of University Reserve No. 28, Borough of Greymouth * that his tender was accepted; that owing to a portion of the land being in the possession of the Trustees of the Grey River Hospital, the Government have been unable up to the present to give him a lease of the entire reserve, as originally agreed upon. He prays for compensation.

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The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they recommend that the Government should allow the petitioner an abatement of £2 per annum, for the full term of his lease on his rental of £15 55., on account of the reduced area he has been able to occupy. The petitioner at same time to give the Government a full release from all further claims. 24th July, 1891.

The Land Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom the above-mentioned Bill was referred for consideration, have the honour to report that they have duly considered same; and they recommend that the Bill be allowed to proceed with the amendments thereon, as set forth on accompanying copy of the Bill. 1 J ° W 11th August, 1891.

No. 38, Sess. ll.—Petition of G. C. Hawson. Petitioner prays that he may be awarded a bonus for having planted 100 acres of land with the wattle-tree. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that petitioner has no claim upon the colony. 12th August, 1891.

No. 22, Sess. ll.—Petition of Eobert Eay and Others. Petitioners state that they are deferred-payment settlers holding land at Karamea. They pray that the price of their sections may be reduced. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they recommend that this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 12th August, 1891.

No. 57, Sess. II. —Petition of Thomas Speer. Petitioner states that a land-scrip issued to him for services during Maori wars has been lost in transmission through the Government departments. He prays for consideration. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that his. petition should be referred to the Government, with a recommendation that a new land-order should be issued to petitioner. 12th August, 1891.

The Selectors' Land Eevaluation Continuance and Amendment Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom the above Bill was referred for consideration, have the honour to report that they recommend that the Bill be allowed to proceed, with the amendments, thereon, as set forth on accompanying copy. 13th August, 1891.

No. 207, Sess. ll.—Petition of Thomas Andrew and 41 Others, of Eoxburgh. Petitioners pray that the recreation-grounds in the Borough of Eoxburgh may be deleted from the reserves and added to the suburban sections, with a view to enlarging the town. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they recommend that this, petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 14th August, 1891.

No. 184, Sess. ll.—Petition of John Forsyth, of Catlin's Eiver. Petitioner states that in the year 1869 he purchased land at Catlin's Eiver, and settled there with his family; that since that period similar land to his has been sold at a much lower rate in that district. He prays for consideration. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that the petitioner has no claim upon the colony. 14th August, 1891.

No. 239, Sess. ll.—Petition of James Gray, of Green Island. Petitioner prays legislation anacting that the Public Works Amendment Act of 1889 shall not apply to the Fernhill Colliery branch line of railway. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that, from the evidence given before them, they are led to believe that the company is willing to accept the cost of the land and rails procured for the construction of the Fernhill branch railway in satisfaction of their claim; and the Committee are of opinion it would be equitable and in the interest of the colony that the Government should accept the terms offered by the company. 14th August, 1891.

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The New Zealand Institute of Surveyors Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom the above-mentioned Bill was referred for consideration, have the honour to report that they recommend that the Bill be allowed to proceed, subject to the amendment as set forth on the accompanying copy thereof. 19th August, 1891.

No. 185, Sess. ll.—Petition of Alexander Stewart and Others, of Wendon, Otago. Petitioners pray that the control of the education reserves may be taken from the School Commissioners of Otago and handed over to the local Waste Lands Board. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they recommend that this petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 19th August, 1891.

No. 178, Sess. ll.— Petition of Mary Guy. Petitioner complains that roads leading through her sections on the Tukituki Eiver have been closed by the Clive Eoad Board. She prays that her right to use said roads may be restored to her. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they consider that the petitioner has suffered great injustice by the stopping of the roads mentioned in her petition, more especially those giving access to the Tukituki Eiver, and they recommend that special legislation be passed for restoring the roads stopped. The Committee also recommend general legislation to prevent such an arbitrary use of power in the stopping of roads and river-frontages by any local body in the future ; and that the foregoing resolution be referred to the Government for their favourable consideration. 25th August, 1891.

The McLean Land Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom the above-mentioned Bill has been referred for consideration, have the honour to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the original right of Te Katene to the block of land has not been established, and the land should be dealt with as Crown land; that the Committee recommend that the McLean Land Bill be not proceeded with, but that the Government should introduce a Bill empowering them to sell the land in question to Mr. McLean on fair and equitable terms, not exceeding the original upset price of land in the district. 25th August, 1891.

No. 116, Sess. ll.—Petition of C. M. Cameron. Petitioner states that certain lands at Kaiwara, his property, were appropriated for railway purposes during his absence from the colony. He prays for consideration and redress. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they have no recommendation to make upon the petition. Ist September, 1891.

No. 301. Sess. II. —Petition of A. E. Coenes and T. Millett. Petitionees pray that they may be given grants of land on warrants obtained by them under the Waste Lands Act. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to recommend that this petition be referred to Government for consideration. Ist September, 1891.

No. 361. Sess. II. —Petition of John Dobson and Others. Pbtitionebs pray that blocks of land may be acquired by the Government in Canterbury for the purpose of settlement. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they recommend that this petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. Ist September, 1891.

No. 390, Sess. II. —Petition of Edward Fitzgerald and Others. Petitionees pray that the Otago Board of School Commissioners may be abolished, and the education reserves in that district placed under the control of the Government and the Waste Lands Board. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they recommend that this petition be referred to the Government for consideration. Ist September, 1891.

No. 186, Sess. II.—Petition of James Watt and Others. Petitioners pray that the education reserves may be removed from the control of the Otago School Commissioners and placed under the charge of the Waste Lands Board. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they recommend that this petition be referred to the Government for consideration. ■ Ist September, 1891.

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No. 415, Sess. ll.—Petition of the Chairman and Members of the Havelock Town Board. Petitioners state there is no first-class land fit for settlement open for selection in the Provincial District of Marlborough, &c. Petitioners pray that regulations be made so that settlers may take tip land. I am directen to report that this petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 3rd September, 1891.

No. 304, Sess. ll.—Petition of James McCormick. Petitioner states that he took up ten acres of land at Te Aroha under perpetual lease, which was subsequently brought under the Village Settlement Act. The land is swamp. He has expended £30 on said land which cannot yet be utilised. He prays for relief to the extent of £30, or a grant of land in lieu thereof. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government. 3rd September, 1891.

No. 462, Sess. ll.—Petition of the South Eakaia Ecad Board. Petitioners pray that the amount of £759 Is. 6d., which they allege to be due to the Eoad Board on account of the thirds of the sum paid for certain lands in the South Eakaia district may be paid over to them. I am directed to report that, as the lands referred to were disposed of on the terms and conditions prescribed by Order in Council of the 6th April, 1880, and as the Government has already admitted the claim by making payment of a portion of this money under special vote, the Committee is of opinion that payment of the remaider of the liability on account of one-third of the proceeds of the land ought to be made to the Eoad Board, and recommend that the Government make provision accordingly. 3rd September, 1891.

No. 413, Sess. ll.—Petition of G. K. Wakelin and 222 Others. Petitioners state there is no first-class land fit for settlement open for selection in the Provincial District of Marlborough, &c. Petitioners pray that regulations be so made that settlers may take up land. I am directed to report that this petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 3rd September, 1891.

No. 251, Sess. II. —Petition of Stephen Earl. Petitioner states that in the year 1865 he purchased a scrip from one James Whitney, representing land granted for military services, being Sections 177 and 197, Okohu. The land was duly selected by Whitney, and conveyed by him to petitioner ; that, owing to Whitney not having received a proper certificate of service, petitioner is unable to obtain a Crown grant for the land. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that this petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 11th September, 1891.

No. 471. Sess. ll.—Petition of Eussell Bates. Petitioner states that he took up land at Kai Iwi on the verbal promise from the Commissioner of Crown Lands at Auckland, that the upset price would be ss. per acre ; that he made considerable improvements on the strength of the promise; that when the section was advertised for selection the price was raised to 7s. 6d. per acre ; that he was therefore compelled to apply for the land on the terms advertised or lose it, and the money spent on improvements. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that this petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 11th September, 1891.

No. 414, Sess. ll.—Petition of the Pelortjs Eoad Board. Petitioners ask that certain lands in the Marlborough Provincial District may be removed from the operations of the Forests Conservation Act. Petitioners pray that regulations be made so that settlers may take up land under deferred payment or perpetual lease. I am directed to report that this petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 11th September, 1891.

No. 498, Sess. ll.—Petition of Samuel E. Taylor. Petitioner states that he is unable to obtain a title to a piece of land situated at Lepperton, Town Belt, Taranaki district, although he has made repeated applications for the same. He also com--2—l. 5.

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plains that the Crown Solicitor, at New Plymouth, Mr. Standish, has wrongfully charged him with certain costs incurred in endeavouring to obtain a title to the land. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that this Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 11th September, 1891.

No. 586, Sess. ll.'—Petition of Chaeles G. Thubston. Petitionee states that he was illegally ousted from the possession of certain lands in the Wendonside district, being Sections 1, 2, 3, 8, 11, and 22, Block VIII., in all 1,126 acres, thereby sustaining a loss of £1,689. He prays relief. I am directed to report that this Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 11th September, Ib9l.

The Bobough Eesebves Vesting and Sale Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Borough Eeserves Vesting and Sale Bill, have the honour to report that they have considered the same, and recommend that it be allowed to proceed with the amendments to clause 10 and the Second Schedule, which are shown upon a copy of the Bill attached hereto, loth September, 1891.

The Educational Endowments and Eesebves Management and Exchange Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the above Bill, have the honour to report that they have considered the same, and recommend that the Bill be allowed to proceed with the amendments, which are shown upon a copy of the Bill attached hereto. 22nd September, 1891. Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, nil; printing(l,2socopies), £i 108.

By Authority: Geoeok Didsbuby, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB9l. Price 6d.]