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

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1899 Session I, I-05

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1899. 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. Thursday, the 13th Day op July, 1899. Ordered . " That a Committee be appointed, oonsisting 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 upon 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 to mJ r°lf Pc /r DS W PaP w 8 ' M m re r OrdS; t ree J°y a qUOrum : tbe Oomn to consist of Mr. Duncan, Mr. Flalman (Hon Mr hlll JoNE^T 8 ' ° n ' E " Th ° mpS ° n, Mr ' J ' W " Thomson ' Mr " Wason - ™* *c

Wednesday, the 19th Day op July, 1899. Ordered, "That the petition of Arthur McKeown be referred to the Waste Lands Committee. "—(Mr. Meredith.)

Thursday, the 20th Day op July, 1899. Ma-o?STEWARD T ) hat the R ° ada Obstruotion Prever » ion Bi" °° referred to the Waste Lands Committee."-(Hon.

Thursday, the 27th Day op July, 1899. Ordered, " That the petition of D. Goldie and others be referred to the Waste Lands Committee."-(Mr. Joyce.)

Friday, the 4th Day op August, 1899. miUe° r "-'(Mr'.'HOLLAHD.) Petiti ° n °' N> A ' Natha " be referred direct to the Waste Lands Qom-

Wednesday, the 6th Day of September, 1899. Ordered "That the report of the Waste Lands Committee on the petition of Alfred Monk and others be referred back to the Comm.ttee for the purpose of hearing the petitioners and taking further eviden O e."-( Mr

Tuesday, the 12th Day op September, 1899. Ordered, "That the petition of R. Brenan and others be referred back to the Waste Lands Committee to further deal with the subject-matter of the petition."—(Mr. Gbaham.) committee to

Wednesday, the 13th Day op September, 1899. Ordered, " That the petition of John Lambie be referred direct to the Waste Lands Committee."—(Mr. Wasok.)

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INDEX.

No. 45.—Petition of Alexandeb McKay and 98 Others, of Pairburn, Mangonui. Petitioners pray for a grant of £1,000 for the purpose of carrying on metalling on the Fairburn Eoad, Mangonui district. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend this petition should be referred to the Government. 25th July, 1899. '■ ,

No. 39. —Petition of Duncan Muechison and 44 Others, of Merrivale Estate, Southland. Petitionees pray for a reduction of their rents, and also the abolition of " loading." I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that this petition be referred to , the Government. 25th July, 1899.

No. 22.—Petition of Ceaddock Bbauchamp, of Anikiwa, Picton. Petitionbe, who is lessee of Native reserves in Queen Charlotte Sound, prays that the law may be amended to enable him to surrender the present lease and obtain a new one providing for compensation for improvements, as was done under the West Coast Settlement Eeserves Act. I am directed to report that, as this petition refers to Native lands, the Committee are of opinion it should be referred to the Native Affairs Committee. 25th July, 1899.

No. 30.—Petition of John Campbell and 62 Others, of Dunedin. Petitioners pray that no measure may be passed that would enable the Corporation of the City of Dunedin to stop or close a portion of roadway passing through a public reserve known as Pine Hill Eoad. I am directed to report that this petition be referred to the Local Bills Committee. 27th July, 1899.

No. 262, 1898, and No. 61, 1899.—Petitions of S. Southeeby, of Auckland, and D. Goldie and 589 Others, of Auckland. Petitioners pray that strict inquiry be made into the case of Mr. Samuel Southerby, with a view td afford such relief as tnay be 'deemed meet.

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No. Petitions, <fcc. Page. No. Petitions, Ac. Page. 344 308 22 2 108 75 173 167 516 Barscombe, J. 0., and Others Bates, Russell Beauchamp, Cradock Bishop, Sarah A., and Otheap Blake, E. P., and Others Bradfleld, Frederick, and Others Brenan, R., and Others Billing, William, and Others Blair, William, and Others 5 5 2 3 3 5 3,7 7 8 236 417 442 45 328 57 387 23 131 275* 186 39 17 44 447 425 Little, Eobert Lambie, John, and Others Leslie, W. D. McKay, Alexander, and Others McKay, C, and Others MoKeown, Arthur McKinnon, Norman, and Others MoLosky, Alexander .. Moir, James, and Others Monk, Alfred, and Others Morison, C. B., and Others Murchison, Duncan, and Others Michie, W. A., and Others McDonald, Ewen Moon, W., and Others McDonald, S. B., and Others .. 6 7 8 2 4 5 6 4 4 4,6 4 2 7 8 8 8 30 25 312 214 Campbell, John, and Others Gossey, S., and Others Oroker, Samuel, and Others Cacace, Nicola 2 4 6 7 241 474 Davidson, A., and Others Doney, Thomas, and Others 3 8 416 448 Ellis, R. G. .. Ewing, Charles, and Others 223 Nathan, L. D., and Another .. 5 7 8 130 Old, John .. 3 314 242 Fisher, Walter, and Others .. . .'■ Fitzroy, C. A., and Others 4 3 58 443 Parsons, W. P., and Others Parlane, Eobert, and Others .. 3 7 61 465 Goldie, D., and Others Gilmour, J. L., and Others 2 8 332 333 Roads Obstruction Prevention Bill I Ross, J. J., and Others 3 5 80 160 72 267 438 187 Hamilton, John G. .. .. . Harley, Charles Hunt, John .. .. •■■..■■ Humes, Reveley, and Others Holland, James Harvey, George, and Others 3 4 3 6 8 7 262» 325 Southerby, S. Swarbrick, Jonathan .. ■:; 2 6 365 29 450 Tait, John, and Others Travers, William T. L. Tareranui, Haora 5 5 8 192 Isherwood, J. C. R. .. 4 6 6 5 • 6 7 243 340 Jardine, J. F., and Others Jones, John, and Others .. ... 4 6 246 67 355 302 418 Wall, W., and Others Whitcombe, Eric, and Others .. Wotherspoon, James, and Others Wyber, James, and Others Walsh, James 238 408 Kitching, Thomas, and Others . / Keena, Pairama .". '■*."'. 4 7 * 1898.

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I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the Government cause full inquiry to be made into the case of Messrs. Southerby, Grandison, and the Agent of the Public Trustee in Auckland, before the Stipendiary Magistrate there, and that, if such inquiry shows that injustice has been done to Mr. Southerby, the Government should make such recompense to Mr. Southerby as they deem the justice of the case requires. Ist August, 1899.

No. 2.—Petition of Saeah Ann Bishop and 10 Others. Petitionees pray that certain sections, Waitara Survey District, at present a forest reserve, should not be altered from their present classification. The Waste Lands Committee, having considered the facts in connection with the petition of Sarah Ann Bishop and others, have the honour to report that they recommend that the reserve be not interfered with, and the petition be referred to the Government. v 4th August, 1899. , -.■■■

No. 58.—Petition of W. F. Pabsons and 81 Others. Petitionees pray that a sum of £500 should be granted for expenditure on the Waiotu ValleyHukerenui South Eoad. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that this petition be referred to the Government. 11th August, 1899.

No. 72.—Petition of John Hunt, of Waimate. Petitionee prays for the restoration of his lease in the Waimate district. I am directed to report that, as it appears that the Land Board forfeited petitioner's section in accordance with its statutory duty, the Committee have no recommendation to make. 15th August, 1899.

Eepoet on the Eoads Obstruction Prevention Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the above-mentioned Bill, have the honour to report that they have considered the same, and have made amendments therein, and they recommend that the Bill be allowed to proceed with amendments as shown on the attached copy. 22nd August, 1899.

No. 173.—Petition of E. Beenan and 18 Others, bf Te Aroha West. Petitionees pray that some of the rent'already paid by them under their leases should be placed to their credit for payment of future rents. I have the honour to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Local Bills Committee. 23rd August, 1899.

No. 130.—Petition of John Old, of Mahoenui, Auckland. Petitioner prays for relief, having been deprived of his frontage to the Awakino Eiver owing to error in the selection map of lands. I am directed to report that the Committee consider that a claim for consideration has been established, and that the extent of such consideration should be decided by arbitration, or such other way as the Government may decide, in the event of the Government being unable to secure the land to the petitioner. 24th August, 1899.

No. 108.—Petition of B; P. Blake and 80 Others, of Opaki District. Petitionees pray that the right may be extended to them to purchase their respective holdings. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make. 24th August, 1899.

No. 80.—Petition of John G. Hamilton, of Auckland. Petitionee prays that the sum of £350 may be granted for the purpose of making and improving the main road through Pollok Settlement. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government. sth September, 1899.

,No. 241. —Petition of A. Davidson and 191 Others, of Wairoa, Hawke's Bay. Petitionees pray that the main road between Napier and Wairoa be completed. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the above petition be referred to the Government. sth September, 1899. ___

No. 242. —Petition of C. A. Fitzboy and 390 Others, of Hastings, Hawke's Bay: Petitioners pray that the main road between Napier and Wairoa be completed. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the above petition be referred to the Government. sth September, 1899,

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No. 243.—Petition of J. F. Jardine and 1,099 Others, of Napier. Petitioners pray that the main road between Napier and Wairoa be completed. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the above petition be referred to the Government. sth September, 1899.

No. 23. —Petition of Alexander M. McLosky, of Mangamahu, Fordell. Petitioner prays for consideration because he selected 271 acres of land situated in Block IV., Waohu district, described as first-class land, but was disappointed with it on proceeding to improve it. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petitioner has no claim. 6th September, 1899.

No. 192. —Petition of J. C. R. Isherwood, of Palmerston North. Petitioner prays for grant of land on account of military service. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petitioner has no claim. 6th September, 1899.

No. 160.—Petition of Charles Harley, of Katikati, Auckland. Petitioner prays that Section 25, Parish of Katikati, lease of which has been forfeited by Land Board, should be restored to him. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petitioner has no claim. 6th September, 1899.

No. 186.—Petition of C. B. Morison and 366 Others. Petitioners pray —(1) That the condition in connection with the recent offer of the Government to erect a bridge over the Otaki River be withdrawn ; (2) that a sufficient sum of money be voted by Parliament for construction of traffic-bridges over the Otaki River and the formation and metalling of parts of main trunk road ; and (3) that the maintenance of the main trunk road and.bridges thereon be provided for by the Government, and not by the local bodies. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government. 6th September, 1899. "

No. 25.—Petition of S. Cossey and 98 Others, of Pukekohe West. Petitioners pray for a sufficient sum of money to be placed on the estimates to make a roadcrossing for vehicles a few chains south of the Paerata Railway-station. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government. 6th September, 1899.

No. 275.—Petition of Alfred Monk and 5 Others, of Kaitawa, Otaki. Petitioners pray that the amount which they have paid by way of rent in excess of the rent at which their lands were recently revalued should be refunded to them. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petitioners have no claim. 6th September, 1899.

No. 131. —Petition of James Moir and 30 Others, of the County of Eodney. Petitioners pray for a grant of £200 to make fit for wheel traffic certain roads in the County of Rodney. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government. 6th September, 1899.

No. 328.—Petition of C. McKay and 66 Others, of Waipu District. Petitioners pray for the expenditure of the balance of the sum of £300 to complete formation of road in the Waikeikei and Mareretu districts. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government. 7th September, 1899.

No. 238.—Petition of Thomas Retching and 129 Others, of Northern Wairoa. Petitioners pray that a ferry-service should be established across the Wairoa Eiver between Mititai and Aratapu. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government. 7th September, 1899. '

No. 314.—Petition of Walter Fishee and 20 Others. Petitioners pray that a sufficient sum of money should be voted for the continuation of the widening of the Ormond-Opotiki Road, and especially for a deviation which will shorten it about two miles. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government. 7th September, 1899,

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No. 223. —Petition of L. D. Nathan and Another, of Auckland. Petitionees pray that summons issued by Commissioner of Crown Lands at Auckland against John Falloona be discontinued, and that a lease of the site at Waiotapu be granted to them in conjunction with their co-owner. I am directed to report that the Committee, after hearing the Surveyor-General, together with evidence on behalf of the petitioners, are of opinion that the recommendation of the Auckland Land Board should receive favourable consideration at the hands of the Government, and that the prayer of the petitioners be granted. 7th September, 1899.

Nos. 332 and 333.—Petitions of J. J. Boss and 57 Others, of Mamaku and Eotorua. Petitionees pray for grant of money for construction of direct road between Mamaku Eailwaystation and Eotorua Township. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petitions be referred to the Government. 7th September, 1899.

No. 75.—Petition of Feedeeick Bbadfield and 73 Others, of Purekireki and Tahatika. Petitionees pray for assistance to form and metal roads in the Purekireki and Tahatika districts. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government. 7th September, 1899.

No. 344.—Petition of J. C. Baescombe and 330 Others, of Tokatoka, Auckland. Petitionees pray for a grant of £350 for formation of road from Tokatoka Post-office Eoad to railway-line at Bascombe's Creek, and to replace a temporary bridge. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government. 7th September, 1899.

No. 308. —Petition of Eussbll Bates, of Kai Iwi, Opanuki, Auckland. Petitioneb prays for relief in respect of land at Kai Iwi, which he states was overvalued when he selected same. I am directed to report that the petition has been fully dealt with by various Committees since 1890, and, no further evidence having been furnished to this Committee, they are of opinion that petitioner has no claim. 7th September, 1899.

No. 29.—Petition of William Thomas Locke Tbavees, of Wellington. Petitionee prays for inquiry into certain matters in relation to the site of the Wellington College, and for the redress of alleged wrong. The Committee have had under consideration the evidence of Mr. Travers, both that which he gave orally and that which he tendered to the Committee of the Legislative Council. They have also had before them the evidence given by Sir James Hector to the same Committee, and the statements of Mr. Jackson, late Chief Surveyor of the Province of Wellington, before the Eoyal Commission on the University of New. Zealand in the year 1879. The recent establishment of the Victoria College as a permanently affiliated institute of the University appears to call for a revival of the original trust, which had been allowed to remain in abeyance in consequence of the disaffiliation of the Wellington College. The Government is therefore recommended to ascertain whether there is any justification, legal or equitable, or in the interests of higher education, for Mr. Travers's contention; and, if so, that legislation be introduced to give effect to the same. 7th September, 1899.

No. 57. —Petition of Aethue McKeown, of Pihama. Petitioneb prays for relief on account of expenses incurred in connection with litigation with the Public Trustee over a dispute re boundary-fence. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petitioner has no claim. 7th September, 1899.

No. 365.—Petition of John Tait and 3 Others, of Wairoa County. Petitionees pray that a certain clause in a Bill now before the House be not altered, as the clause which it is intended to alter was one that induced the said petitioners to settle on the land. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. Bth September, 1899.

No. 355. —Petition of James Wothebspoon and 28 Others, of Whangaripo, Auckland District. Petitionebs pray that a road be constructed by joining the Whangaripo Valley with the Wayby Road. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. Bth September, 1899.

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No. 340.—Petition of John Jones and 33 Others, of Mohaka and Nuhaka, East Coast. Petitioners pray that a sum of £5,000 be at once placed on the estimates to provide for the early completion and metalling of the main road from Napier to Wairoa. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. Bth September, 1899.

No. 312. —Petition of Samuel Croker and 4 Others, constituting the Matakana West Eoad Board, Auckland District. Petitioners pray that the sum of £300 should be provided for the purpose of constructing a road from Section 47 to Sections 108, 109, 112, and 113, Matakana West Eoad District. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. Bth September, 1899.

No. 302. —Petition of James Wyber and 116 Others, of Catlin's. Petitioners, who are settlers and residents of the Catlin's district, pray that a bridge should be erected across the estuary at the east end of the lake. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. Bth September, 1899.

No. 246.—Petition of W. Wall and 61 Others, of Tuapeka and Waihemo Electorates. Petitioners pray that a road should be constructed through Thompson's Gorge from Matakanui to Lindis. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. Bth September, 1899.

No. 267.—Petition of Eeveley Humes and 462 Others, Bay of Islands. Petitioners pray that a sum of £10,000 be granted them for the purpose of putting some sixteen miles of road in order, from the projected railway terminus at Hukerenui to Kawakawa, by that main artery known as the Great North Eoad. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. Bth September, 1899.

No. 67. —Petition of Eric Whitcombe and 26 Others, of Pahiatua. Petitioners pray that certain lands in the Pahiatua district be made liable for proportion of rates oh account of loan raised from the Government. I am directed to report that the Committee do not recommend any interference with the present position. Bth September, 1899.

No. 387. —Petition of Norman McKinnon and 11 Others, of Wairoa, Hawke's Bay. Petitioners pray that a certain Bill now before the House, proposing to rate small grazing-runs to their full value, be not passed. I am directed to report that the petition be referred to the Government. 14th September, 1899. .

No. 325. —Petition of Jonathan Swaebrick, of Nuhaka, Poverty Bay. Petitioner prays for compensation for loss of deposit and land, Lot 4, Block IX., Maketu Survey District. I am directed to report that the Committee consider this is a case that requires further inquiry, as the petitioner appears to have a claim to the land referred to in the petition. The Committee therefore refer the petition to the Government for further inquiry. 14th September, 1899.

No. 236.—Petition of Eobert Little, of Auckland. Petitioner claims a title to 10 acres of land, to which, he says, John Graham was entitled some twenty years ago. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make. 14th September, 1899.

No. 275. —Petition of Alfred Monk and 5 Others, of Kaitawa Survey District, Otaki. Petitioners pray that the amount which they have paid by way of rent in excess of the rent at which their lands were recently revalued should be refunded to them. . I am directed to report that, the former report of the Committee on this petition having been referred back to the Committee for further consideration, the Committee, having heard the evidence of the petitioners in support of their claim, see no reason to warrant the alteration of the former report —namely, "That the petitioners have no claim." 14th September, 1899.

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No. 17.—Petition of W. A. Michie and 65 Others, of Okaihau, Bay of Islands. Petitioners pray that the road from Okaihau to Kerikeri should be surveyed and formed, and that the sum of £500 should be placed on the estimates for the work. i I am directed to report that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 3rd October, 1899.

No. 417.—Petition of John Lambie and Others, of South Eakaia Eoad District. Petitioners pray that they may be placed in legal possession of certain reserves in the Town of Eakaia. I am directed to report that the Government be recommended to take the necessary steps to reserve the lands in question, and to confirm the present occupants in their tenure. 3rd October, 1899.

No. 173.—Petition of E. Brenan and 18 Others, of Te Aroha West, Piako County. Petitioners pray that certain allowances be made to them, they being leaseholders of certain lands, rural and suburban, of Te Aroha West. I am directed to report that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 3rd October, 1899.

No. 418. —Petition of James Walsh, of Tiratu (near Dannevirke), Hawke's Bay. Petitioner prays for compensation towards defraying expenses incurred at law in connection with his land. I am directed to report that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 3rd October, 1899.

No. 167.—Petition of William Billing and 73 Others, of Puhoi, Auckland. Petitioners pray that the sum of £200 should be placed on the estimates for making a new road from Lot 6 to Lot 82, Parish of Puhoi. I am directed to report that the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 3rd October, 1899.

No. 443. —Petition of Eobert Parlane and 67 Others, of Waimamaku, Hokianga. Petitioners pray that a road should be constructed to give ingress and egress to the back-block settlers in the Waimamaku Special Settlement, and that the roads already formed should be made fit for wheel traffic, so as to allow suitable industries to be established. I am directed to report that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 3rd October, 1899.

No. 187.—Petition of Geobge Haetey and 16 Others, of Pomahaka Downs Estate. Petitioners pray that the capital value of the estate be reduced from 5 per cent, to 4 per cent., and to have the cost of roading, surveying, and reserves dispensed with, thereby placing them on the same footing as other Crown tenants. I am directed to report that the Government be recommended to appoint a special Board consisting of two members of the Otago Land Board, and one gentleman representing the Crown ; such Board to report fully to the Government upon all the circumstances of the case of the Pomahaka Estate and of the settlers thereon. 3rd October, 1899.

No. 214.—Petition of Nicola Caoace, of Lyell, Buller District. Petitioner prays that a certain road be legally taken and properly defined, and that some compensation be allowed him. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make. 3rd October, 1899.

No. 416.—Petition of B. C. Ellis, of Belgrove, Nelson. Petitioner prays that he may receive compensation for a deficiency in the area of land held by him under his several titles. I am directed to report that Mr. Ellis has established his claim to compensation from the Government in respect of the deficiency in acreage of the land purchased and paid for by him, and that the Committee recommend the petition to the favourable consideration of the Government. 3rd October, 1899.

No. 408. —Petition of Paieama Kbbna, of Glen Murray, Auckland. Petitioner prays that a road should be made to Sections 119 and 119 a, taken up by him, in the Parish of Whangape, and that a reduction be made in his rent. I am directed to report that the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 3rd October, 1899.

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No. 447.—Petition of W. Moon and 15 Others, of Waotu, Auckland. Petitionbes pray that a road from Waotu to the Putaruru Eailway-station, thirteen miles in length, should be repaired at an estimated cost of £200, which they ask should be provided for on the estimates of the current year. I am directed to report that the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 10th October, 1899.

: No. 448.—-Petition of Chables Bwing and 69 Others, of Tangihua, Auckland. Pbtitionees pray that a sum of £500 should be placed upon the estimates for the purpose of forming, metalling, and renewing the bridges on portions of the road between Tangiteroria and the foot of Kauri Hill, Maungakaramea. I am directed to report that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 10th October, 1899.

No. 442.—Petition of W. D. Leslie, of Whangaroa. Petitioneb prays that losses said to have been incurred by him through a difference of opinion between himself and his neighbours as to the boundary of his land should be paid by the Government. I am directed to report that the Government be recommended to place a sum of £200 on the supplementary estimates as compensation to the petitioner. 10th October, 1899. "

No. 44.—Petition of Bwen McDonald, of Highlay. Petitioneb prays for compensation because what he considers to be the main road has been diverted from the frontage of his land. I am directed to report that petitioner has no claim. 10th October, 1899.

No. 438.—Petition of James. Holland, of Kaiapoi. Petitioneb prays that he should be compensated for the loss of 4J acres of land which is deficient in his certificate of title. I am directed to report that the case is one which appears to the Committee to call for further investigation as to the correctness of the surveys, and recommend that the Government institute such an inquiry as will test the justice of his claim. 10th October, 1899"

No. 474.—Petition of Thomas Doney and 33 Others, of Tutaekara, Wellington District. Petitionebs pray that a bridge should be erected across the Mangahao Eiver, near the Tutaekara Railway-station, the estimated cost of which is £1,700, and that a road should be constructed to this bridge, at a cost of £400. I am directed to report that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 19th October, 1899.

No. 425. —Petition of S. B. McDonald and 71 Others, of Southland. Pbtitionebs pray that a sum of £1,300 should be provided for the construction of a road from Dacre to Eakahaoka. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make. 19th October, 1899. '

No. 516. —Petition of William Blaie and 51 Others, of Matakana. Petitionbbs pray that a sum of £200 be placed on the estimates, to supplement a sum of £100 already in the hands of the Matakana East Eoad District, for the purpose of making a road. I am directed to report that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 19th October, 1899.

No. 465.—Petition of J. L. Gilmoue and 612 Others, of Waihi, Auckland. Pbtitionees pray that a road six miles in length should be constructed from Waihi to the Waihi Beach. I am directed to report that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 19th October, 1899.

No. 450.—Petition of Haoba Tabbbanui, of Hauraki, Auckland. Petitioneb prays for compensation owing to kauri timber having been removed from his land without payment for the same, a balance of £131 being owing to him. I am directed to report that the petition be referred to the Government for further inquiry. : 19th October, 1899. Approximate Cost of Paper—Preparation, not given; printing (1,325 copies), £i Bs. 6d.

By Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB99. Price 6d.]