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

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1895 Session I, I-05

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1895. NEW ZEALAND.

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

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

ORDERS OF REFERENCE. Extracts from the Journals of the House of Representatives. Feiday, the 21st Day of June, 1895. Ordered, " That a Committee 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 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 Mr. Duncan, Mr. Green, Mr. Hall, Mr. Hogg, Mr. Lang, Mr. T. McKenzie, Mr. Mackintosh, Mr. Meredith, Mr. Thompson, and the mover." —(Hon. Mr. J. McKenzie.)

Fbiday, the 28th Day of June, 1895. Ordered, " That the Auckland and Parnell Endowment Lands Bill be referred to the Waste Lands Committee." —(Hon. Mr. J. McKenzie.)

Tuesday, the 16th Day of July, 1895. Ordered, " That the petition of J. Stevenson and others be referred to the Waste Lands Committee."—(Mr. Mebedith.)

Feiday, the 26th Day op July, 1895. Ordered, " That the Wilson Land Bill be referred to the Waste Lands Committee."—(Hon. Mr. J. McKenzie.)

Peiday, the 18th Day of Octobee, 1895. Ordered, " That the Land Act Amendment Bill, the Reserves Disposal and Exchange Bill, and the Pastoral Tenants' Belief Bill be referred to the Waste Lands Committee."—(Hon. Mr. J. McKenzie.)

INDEX.

No. Petitions, &o. Page. No. Petitions, &o. Page. A. G. 223 137 444 Abbey, William.. Anderson, Duncan Anderson, D. M., and Others Auckland and Parnell Endowment Bill Austin, Samuel.. 4 3 6 2 5 40 324 Galway, John Garrard, W. G... 2 5 196 186 416 95 433 H. Heron, Henry H., and Others Hilford, Frank 0., and Others .. Hogg, Peter Dods .. Hudson, Josiah 3 7 3 6 57 184 243 134 267 118 167 6. Beamish, George John Newman Beere, William Henry Bell, Richard G. Bentley, John Daniel Brace, John Brooks, Thomas Broadbent, William 4 4 6 4 3 4 S 119 I. Isherwood, James C. B. .. 3 361 K. Kemper, G. W., and Others D. Deerness, James Augustus Draper, George Ward Dorwood, T. E. W., and Others .. L. Land Act Amendment Bill Lodder, William 7 2 10 88 231 3 2 5 6 337 225 287 23 498 154 505 170 262 M. 5 5 6 2 7 4 8 5 6 , 245 271 E. Edwards, Edwin, and Others Elwin, James J., and Others (vide also Appendix I.-Sα.) .. .. F. 5 7 Maher, Mary McCready, James McDonald, John K. McLay, Thomas, and Others McLarin, Charlotte McKeever, William Mewburn, William Morrison, Anne Mullooly, Michael 12 221 311 Firman, Thomas Fowler, John Fulton, John 2 4 5

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INDEX— continued.

Auckland and Paenell Endowment Lands Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom the above-mentioned Bill was referred, have the honour to report that they have duly considered the same; and they recommend that the Bill be allowed to proceed with the amendment, as set forth on accompanying copy of the Bill. 16th July, 1895.

Nos. 6, 12, and 14.—Petitions of William Loddee, Thomas Fieman, and John O'Neill. Petitionees pray that grants of land may be given them for military services during the Maori wars. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that these three petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration. 17th July, 1895.

No. 23. —Petition of Thomas McLay and Others. Petitionees, who are Crown tenants, pray for a reduction in the rent of their holdings, and a reduction in the value upon which local and other rates are charged. 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. 17th July, 1895.

No. 40. —Petition of John Galway. Petitioner prays, for compensation in respect to the proclamation of Nelson Creek as a watercourse into which tailings and other debris may be discharged, as his land is thereby destroyed. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that as the petitioner has a legal remedy the Committee have no recommendation to make. 17th July, 1895.

No. 68. —Petition of John O'Neill and Others. Petitioners pray that some provision be made upon the estimates for the purpose of laying out and constructing a road to their farms. 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. 17th July, 1895.

No. 87.—Petition of Claude C. Bawlings. Petitioner prays for a Crown grant to be issued of the land now occupied by him as a leasehold. 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. 17th July, 1895.

No. 88.—Petition of Gboege Waed Deapeb. Petitioneb prays for further consideration of his petition of 1894, wherein he prays for relief for inconvenience and delay caused by the closing of a road to his 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. 17th July, 1895.

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No. J Petitions, &c. Page. No. Petitions, &c. Page. 188 N. Noel, C. I. D., and Others 87 R. Rawlings, Claude C. Reserves Disposal and Exchange Bill Richmond, Stewart 2 7 7 360 o. 72 503 s. Stevenson, Joseph, and Others Sutherland, D. A. (Mayor) and Councillors oi Onehunga .. 3 144 14 68 259 260 O'Connor, Michael O'Neill, John O'Neill, John, and Others O'Neill, David E. O'Neill, Henry 3 2 2 7 7 T. 8 3 4 6 6 15 197 402 430 Tompkins, Henry Thoburn, John Tinsley, Timothy Tucker, W. H. .. P. Pastoral Tenants' Relief Bill Preece, George Augustus 149 w. White, Alfred Henry Wilson Land Bill 4 3 7 6 363

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No. 95.—Petition of Petee Dods Hogg. Petitioner is the owner of a remission certificate, purchased from William McLaughlin ; he prays for an extension of provision, to enable him to exercise his claim. 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. 17th July, 1895.

No. 10.—Petition of James Augustus Deeeness. Petitionee states that, through accident, a remission certificate No. 49 (£25), granted to his father, has not been exercised. He (the petitioner) prays for a favourable view of his case. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that this petition should be referred to Government, and recommend that this and similar claims be considered in any future legislation dealing with such claims. 30th July, 1895.

No. 15. —Petition of Heney Tompkins. Petitioner prays that he be granted the undisturbed use of a road through adjoining church property, the said road having been shown on application map in the Lands Office at the time he bought his property, or for compensation for the loss of right. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom the above was referred, have the honour to report that they are of the opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 30th July, 1895.

No. 72. —Petition of Joseph Stevenson and 9 Others. Petitioners pray for a revaluation of the Pomahaka Downs Estate. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom the above was referred, have the honour to report that they have no recommendation to make. " 30th July, 1895.

Wilson 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 the same, and beg to recommend that the Bill be allowed to proceed as printed. 2nd August, 1895.

No. 144. —Petition of Michael O'Connor. Petitioneb prays that he be granted the New Zealand Cross for military services rendered to the The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they recommend that this petition should be referred to Government for favourable consideration. 7th August, 1895.

No. 137. —Petition of Duncan Andeeson. Petitionee prays for relief for loss sustained through having been compelled to serve in the militia in 1863 and 1864. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they have no recommendation to make. 7th August, 1895.

No. 186.—Petition of Heney H. Heeon and 259 Others. Petitioners, who are miners and small farmers in the valley of the Clutha, pray that the Moa Flat Estate be opened up for settlement to enable their sons to acquire homesteads. 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. 7th August, 1895.

No. 119.—Petition of James Clarendon Bamsbottom Isherwood. Petitioner states he was granted a land-order for military services, that he failed to exercise it; he prays to be allowed now to select land to the value of the order. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government. 7th August, 1895.

No. 188.—Petition of C. I. D. Noel and 14 Others. Petitioners pray for an outlet from the Hukatere Block, Otamatea County. 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. 7th August, 1895.

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No. 154.—Petition of William McKeever. Petitioner states that he is entitled to 50 acres of land, one town acre, and I,oooft. of timber, for military services ; and requests that the courts of New Zealand may be open to him to prosecute his claim. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they have no recommendation to make. 7th August, 1895. ■

No. 184.—Petition of William Henry Beere. Petitioner prays for 400 acres of land for military services and the sum of £17,000, the loss he has sustained through being defrauded of the land and being deceived by a letter from the Hon. Mr. Stafford. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they have no recommendation to make. 7th August, 1895.

No. 57.—Petition of George John Newman Beamish, on behalf of his brother William Henry Slingsby Beamish. Petitioner, on behalf of his brother, states that his brother was twice recommended a grant of 400 acres of land, or £200 remission certificate, under " The Naval and Military Settlers and Volunteer Land Act, 1891"; that his brother has never received either, and prays that he may be granted the £200 recommended without further delay. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that the petitioner has established his claim as valid; that he left Her Majesty's service to settle in New Zealand, and they recommend the petition to the most favourable consideration of the Government. ?th August, 1895.

No. 149.—Petition of Alfred Heney White. Petitioner prays for a grant of land for military services performed during the Maori war. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion this petition should be referred to Government. 9th August, 1895.

No. 134.—Petition of John Daniel Bentley. Petitioner states he received a grant of 60 acres in the Urewera country for military services; that on account of its isolated and unprotected situation he could not utilise it ; he prays for redress. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that this petition should be referred to Government. 9th August, 1895.

No. 223. —Petition of William Abbey. Petitioner states that he has become the owner (by purchase) of three land-orders of 100 acres each, and prays that he may be allowed to exercise them. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion this petition should be referred to the Government. 14th August, 1895.

No. 221.—Petition of John Fowler. Petitioner prays for a grant of land for military services. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they consider this petition should be referred to Government. 14th August, 1895.

No. 118. —Petition of Thomas Brooks. Petitioner states that he caused improvements to the value of £85 to be made during his tenancy of Eeserve No. 1259, Barry's Pass, and prays that he be allowed the sum of £37 16s. in consideration thereof. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they have no recommendation to make. 14th August, 1895.

No. 197. —Petition of John Thoburn. Petitioner states he is unable to work, and prays for relief in consideration of his military services. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that this petition should be referred to Government. 14th August, 1895.

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No. 170.—Petition of Anne Morrison. Petitioner states she is the owner of Lot 97 and part Lots 7, 8, and 9, Block VII., Kaipara District; that she has lost 15 acres of land through overlapping of the survey of adjoining sections, and that she is entitled to the full measurement of land granted to her by the Crown. She prays that the land lost be given back to her, or she be compensated for the loss thereof. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that, provided Mrs. Anne Morrison has not hitherto been recompensed for the land cut off her sections, they recommend she be paid compensation at the rate of £4 per acre as soon as the actual amount of area she has been deprived of can be ascertained. 20th August, 1895.

No. 196.—Petition of Samuel Austin. Petitioner mentions a large number of engagements during the Maori wars in which he took prominent part, and prays that on account of his acknowledged meritorious military services he be granted some relief now that he is unfitted for active work. 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 petitioner be found some light employment. 20th August, 1895.

No. 225.—Petition of Jambs McCready. Petitioner prays for a grant of land on account of military services rendered to the colony. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that this petition should be referred to Government. 20th August, 1895.

No. 231.—Petition of T. E. W. Dorward and 11 Others. Petitioners, who are Crown tenants of Eangitata, Geraldine Survey District, pray for a reclassifieation of each of their holdings. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that this petition should be referred to Government. 20th August, 1895.

No. 245.—Petition of Edwin Edwards and Others. Petitioners state that settlement in the Ohinemuri District is retarded owing to the provisions of " The Native Lands Court Act, 1894," and pray for some amendment of the law to enable the Natives to sell and lease their lands at fair prices. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that this petition should be referred to Government. 20th August, 1895.

Nos. 311 and 267. —Petitions of John Fulton and John Brace. Petitioners pray for grants of land for military services. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that these petitions should be referred to Government. 6th September, 1895.

No. 167.—Petition of William Broadbent. Petitioner applied to the Southland Land Board for a refund of rent and license-fee deposited on account of Section 5, Block XV., Paterson's District, Stewart Island, stating that owing to an accident he could not proceed on to the land. The Board aforesaid resolved to cancel the application and refund the fees (£3 16s. 5d.). It was subsequently ascertained that this could not be done without parliamentary authority. He prays that the necessary permission be granted. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that this petition should be referred to Government with a recommendation that the prayer of the petitioner be granted. 6th September, 1895.

No. 324.—Petition of W. G. Gabrard. Petitioner prays for a grant of land for naval services, and disclaims having committed any crimes whilst on board any warship. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they have no recommendation to make. 6th September, 1895.

No. 337. —Petition of Mary Maher. Petitioner states that her late husband served for thirteen years in the Imperial and Colonial Forces, and was entitled to a grant of land. She prays that the claims of her late husband may be considered. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government. 6th September, 1895.

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No. 243.—Petition of Eichaed G. Bell. Petitioneb states that he has been fifty-two years in the colony, and that he served as a soldier in 1845-46. He prays for monetary assistance to prevent him becoming a pauper. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that this petition should be referred to Government. 6th September, 1895.

No. 363.—Petition of Geobge Augustus Peeece. Petitionee states that he was in the Civil Service of the colony. In 1865 he volunteered for active military service, and served in the East Coast campaigns. That in 1889 the Commissioner of Crown Lands, Napier, reported favourably on his claim for 200 acres of land ; up to the present time his claim has not been satisfied. He prays for relief. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that, in their opinion, this petition should be referred to the Government. 17th September, 1895. _

No. 402.—Petition of Timothy Tinsley. Petitioner prays that his claim for sixty acres of land for military services, scheduled for consideration in 1894, be not overlooked. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that this petition should be referred to Government. 17th September, 1895.

No. 262. —Petition of Michael Mullooly. Petitioneb states that in 1874 he purchased 160 acres of land, part of Uawa Block No. 1, from eight aboriginal natives, to whom a certificate of title had been granted by the Native Land Court, and a conveyance was made of the said land to him and stamped ; that he remained in possession of, improved, and paid taxes on, the land aforesaid until 1879, when the Native Land Court adjudged the ownership to sixty-three Natives, including the eight Natives from whom he originally bought the land. By the action of the Land Purchase Commission, who caused the said Uawa No. Ito be gazetted under "The Native Lands Purchase Act, 1878," he was prevented from completing his title. He prays for relief. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that in their opinion the petitioner has no claim against the colony. 17th September, 1895.

No. 430.—Petition of W. H. Tuckeb. Petitioneb prays for investigation of certain orders of the Native Land Court having reference to the Makauri, Taruheru, and Tahoka Blocks, and that he may not be deprived of the benefits of a judgment of the Supreme .Court, or compelled to submit to unauthorised rehearing. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that, in their opinion, this petition should be referred back to the Petitions Classification Committee. , Ist October, 1895.

No. 444. —Petition of D. M. Andebson and 79 Others. Petitionebs pray for a grant of £750 to construct a road from Okaihau to Kerikeri. I have the honour to report that, in the opinion of the Waste Lands Committee, this petition should be referred to Government. Ist October, 1895.

No. 287.—Petition of John K. McDonald. Petitioneb prays for a grant of land for military service. I have the honour to report that, in the opinion of the Waste Lands Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. Ist October, 1895.

No. 361. —Petition of G. W. Kempee and 33 Others. Petitioners pray that John Walthers be reinstated in his lease of Section 77, Pahiatua Village Settlement, forfeited by the Crown Lands Board, Wellington, on the ground of his not complying with the residential conditions. I have the honour to report that, in the opinion of the Waste Lands Committee, this petition should be referred to the Hon. the Minister of Lands, requesting him to cause further inquiry to be made in the case of John Walthers ; and, in the meantime, the Land Board be asked to withhold the section of land from sale, and reconsider their decision. Ist October, 1895.

No. 433. —Petition of Josiah Hudson and 67 Others. Pbtitionbbs ask for assistance in making the Warkworth-Pahi Creek Eoad, I have the honour to report that, in the opinion of the Waste Lands Committee, this petition should be referred to Government. Ist October, 1895.

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No. 416.—Petition of Feank C. Hilfoed and 86 Others. Petitionebs pray for a grant of £500 to assist them in constructing a road to connect the settlements of Maungaturoto, Mareretu, and Waikiekie with the Great North Eoad. I have the honour to report that, in the opinion of the Waste Lands Committee, this petition should be referred to Government. Ist October, 1895.

No. 360.—Petition of Stewaet Eichmond. Petitioneb states he obtained a small grazing run, No. 17a, Domet Survey District, at a yearly rental of £120 14s. 4d., and paid one half-year's rent thereon. Before the expiration of the first half year, he applied for leave to surrender the run, and was refused. Upon his failing to pay the next half-year's rent when due the run was declared forfeited, and, although he had made considerable improvements, no allowance was made him. He then offered to lease the adjoining run, together with 17a, at a rental of £170 per annum, and was refused. These runs were afterwards let for £80 per annum. He prays for relief. I have the honour to report that, in the opinion of the Waste Lands Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 2nd October, 1895.

Nos. 259 and 260.—Petitions of David E. O'Neill and Heney O'Neill. Petitionebs pray that their petitions, presented in 1894, praying for a reduction of rent of land leased by them from the Crown, be considered. I have the honour to report that, in the opinion of the Waste Lands Committee, these petitions should be referred to the Government. 2nd October, 1895.

No. 271. —Petition of James J. Elwin and 272 Others. Petitionebs, who are leaseholders of Native estates covered by "The West Coast Settlement Eeserves Act, 1892," and administered by the Public Trustee, state that the said administration has been and is unsatisfactory both to the tenants and Native owners, and has failed to fulfil the intention of the Legislature to assist settlement, legalize improper tenures, and improve the condition of the Natives. They consider the Land Board to be the proper body to administer the said estates, and pray for legislation so that these lands shall come under the common law of the colony, that the disadvantages may be removed under which they labour. I have the honour to report that it is the opinion of the Waste Lands Committee the subjectmatter of this petition refers to a question of public policy, and they therefore recommend that it be referred to the Government for consideration. 2nd October, 1895.

The Land 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 as shown in the copy of the Bill attached. 21st October, 1895.

The Besebves Disposal and Exchange 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 as shown in the copy of the Bill attached. 21st October, 1895.

The Pastoeal Tenants' Relief 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 as shown in the copy of the Bill attached. 21st October, 1895.

No. 498.—Petition of Chaelotte M. McLaein. Petitioneb prays that her application for a loan under the Advances to Settlers Act be considered on its merits, and that the Lending Board be directed to decide thereon forthwith. I have the honour to report that the Waste Lands Committee have no recommendation to make. 22nd October, 1895.

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No. 503.—Petition of D. A. Sutheeland (Mayor), and Councillobs of Onehunga. Petitioners pray that measures be taken to fulfil the agreement entered into between the Government and Borough of Onehunga, whereby the borough was to receive 47 acres adjacent for riflerange, cemetery, and place of recreation, in consideration of surrendering 1,000 acres of endowment at Hokianga. 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. 22nd October, 1895.

No. 505.—Petition of William Mewbuen. Petitioner prays that he be permitted to exercise a Land Order, dated Ist August, 1839, entitling the holder to 100 acres of rural land. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they have no recommendation to make. 22nd October, 1895. Approximate Cost of Payer.— Preparation, not given; printing (1,200 copies), £4 18s.

By Authority: Samuel Oostall, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB9s. Price 6d.]

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