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

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1900 Session I, I-05

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1900. NEW ZEALAND.

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

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

ORDER OF REFERENCE. Extract from the Journals of the House of Representatives. Fbiday, the 6th Day of July, 1900. Ordered, " That a Committee be appointed, consisting of ten members, to oonsider 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 power to 'call for persons, papers, and records; three to be a quorum: the Committee to consist of Mr. Bennet, Mr. Flatman, Mr. Gilfedder, Mr. Hardy, Mr. Hogg, Mr. Lang, Mr. MoLaohlan, Mr. R. Thompson, Mr. J. W. Thomson, and the mover."—(Hon. Mr. Duncan.)

INDEX.

No. Petitioners, &c. Page. | No. Petitioners, &c. Page. 510 606 2 Allan, Thomas Anderson, B., and Others Angelo, Mary 7 8 4 508 554 555 359 180 134 599 Mathieson, John, and Others McElroy, John, and Others (No. 1) McElroy, John, and Others (No. 2) McEwen, Henry, and Others McKay, Alexander, and Others .. McKeown, Arthur MoLoskey, A. 2 7 7 5 3 3,7 7 325 380 482 50 201 459* Bates, Russell Bolton, P. Bradley, M., and Co., and Others Brennan, R., and Others Burke, James, and Others Burnett, B., and Others 5 6 6 3 4 2 357 Nathan, Joseph C, and Others .. 5 138 Old, John 3 81 95 96 78 Carruthers, John, and Others Cheal, Peter Edward (No. 1) Cheal, Peter Edward (No. 2) Cooper, J. C, and Others 2 2 2 2 183 Parsons, W. F., and Others 3 250 Quealy, Thomas, and Others 4 315 381 449 Davies, James, and Others Dobbs, James, and Others Draper, G. W. 4 5 5 522 295 Reed, F., and Others Robertson, Samuel, and Others 6 5 156 156 588 124 Ellis, Riohard Campbell (No. 1).. Ellis, Richard Campbell (No. 2).. Erskine, J. H., and Others Evans, Thomas, and Others 3 4 7 3 366 558 503 222 174 Sahisbury, T. C, and Others Sanders, G. E., and Others Saunders, T., and Others Sohischka, Edward Smith, T. W. P., and Others .. 5 7 2 6 3 328 Ford, James, and Others 5 262 525 Taylor, J. C, and Others Trounson, E., and Others 4 6 63 155 122 596 255 597 486 123 Hall, William, and Others Harding and Adams and Others Harnett, Edward, and Others Harris, L. B., and Others Hatfield, A. J., Jun., and Others Heath, S., and Others Hills, Alfred, and Others Hislop, William, and Others 2 3 2 8 4 7 6 2 251 154 528 491 182 43 181 544 306 213 Urquhart, D., and Others Wagland, Charles Wakeham, John, and Others Walmsley, H. A. Wells, Robert, and Others White, Walter A. Wilkinson, G., and Others Wouldes, John, and Others Wyatt, Frederiok Wyber, James, and Others 4 6 6 7 3 5 3 7 5 4 518 Kirk, A., and Others 6 241 85 Laing, James, and Others - Lester, Robert E. Land for Settlements Consolidation Bill.. 4 4 7 358 Masters, H. Stuart, and Others 5 126 Yeoman, Thomas A., and Others 6 ♦1899.

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No. 63.—Petition of William Hall and Others, of Kai Iwi, Mangonui Bluff. Petitioners pray for a grant of £300 to be spent on the Kai Iwi-Katui Road. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government. 17th July, 1900.

No. 78.—Petition of J. C. Cooper and Others, the Pioneer Farmers' Association. Petitioners, who are Crown tenants between Mauriceville and Alfredton, pray for an exemption from the perpetual rate imposed on them on account of a road. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 17th July, 1900.

No. 81.—Petition of John Careutheks and Others, of Maraetai, Brookby, and Tauranga Creek. Petitioners pray that a survey may be made with a view of bridging the Tauranga and Mungomungaroa Creeks, and connecting the same by roads with Howick and Tauranga. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 17th July, 1900.

No. 503.—Petition of T. Saunders and Others, of Alfredton District, Wellington. Petitioners pray that a sum of £1,661 be voted to discharge one-half of the liability for a loan, and thereby enable them to retain their holdings. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 17th July, 1900.

No. 508.—Petition of John Mathieson and Others, of Whangamata District. Petitioners pray that a sum of £100 may be granted to Mr. John Boss, as a recompense for his services in constructing a road between "Whangamata and Wharekawa. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 17th July, 1900.

No. 122.—Petition of Edward Harnett and Others, of Paiaka and Surrounding District. Petitioners pray that a sum of £300 may be granted to make a road from Paiaka district to a point on the Main North Eoad near Hukerenui. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 24th July, 1900.

No. 123.—Petition of William Hislop and Others, of Euapekapeka District. Petitioners pray that a sum of £400 may be granted for the purpose of grading and forming the road between Euapekapeka Settlement and Kawakawa. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 24th July, 1900.

No. 459, 1899. —Petition of B. Burnett and Others, of Woodville and Kumeroa. Petitioners pray that a certain portion of the forest land on the Summit and near the Euahine Range, west of Woodville, should be restored to its position as a State forest. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 24th July, 1900.

No. 95.—Petition of Peter Edward Cheal, of Auckland (No. 1). Petitioner prays that he may be reimbursed the cost of making the subdivisional survey of Mangapapa A Block, situated at Mokau, because he has been unable to recover his costs from the company interested in obtaining the land. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 24th July, 1900.

No. 96.—Petition of Peter Edward Cheal, of Auckland (No. 2). Petitioner prays that he may be paid the cost of revising a survey made by him of 600 acres, the western portion of Pakiri No. 1 Block, Whangaripo, near Matakana. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 24th July, 1900.

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No. 124.—Petition of Thomas Evans and Others, of Motueka River. Petitioners, who are owners and occupiers of land on the banks of the Motueka River, pray that no dredging may take place in the bed of the river. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Goldfields and Mines Committee. 31st July, 1900.

No. 134.—Petition of Aethur McKeown, of Pihama, Taranaki. Petitioner prays for relief in connection with costs incurred in a case against the Public Trustee. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 31st July, 1900.

No. 155.—Petition of Habding and Adams and Others, of Pahiatua County. Petitioners state that the road past their holdings was originally 3 chains wide, and, with the permission of the local authority, they have fenced in a portion of the road-line and improved the land so enclosed with buildings, &c. They ask that steps be taken to enable them to purchase the land so improved. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend the petition to the favourable consideration of the Government. 31st July, 1900.

No. 50. —Petition of R. Beenan and Others, of Te Aroha West. Petitionebs pray for a refund of an overplus of rents, amounting to Is. 6d. per acre per annum, paid on suburban sections adjacent to the Government freehold of Te Aroha West since 1886. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend the petition to the favourable consideration of the Government. 31st July, 1900. . •

No. 156.—Petition of Richabd Campbell Ellis, of Belgrove, Nelson District. (Report No. 1.) Petitionee 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 the Committee recommend that the report of last year on the same petition be adopted, viz. : " That Mr. Ellis has established his claim to compensation from the Government in respect of the deficiency in acreage in the land purchased and paid for by him, and that the Committee recommend the petition to the favourable consideration of the Government." 2nd August, 1900.

No. 138. —Petition of John Old, of Awakino East Survey District. Petitioner alleges that because of the error in the published selection map of lands in the Awakino East district he is deprived of a portion of his frontage to the Awakino River. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the report of last year on the same petition be adopted, viz. : " 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." 2nd August, 1900.

Nos. 180, 181, and 182.—Petitions of Alexander McKay and 33 Others, G. Wilkinson and 19 Others, and Robert Wells and 16 Others. Petitionbes pray that they may be granted the sum of £2,000 for the purpose of repairing and metalling Fairburn's Road from Mangonui to Adamson's Bridge. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend the petitions be referred to the Government for consideration. Bth August, 1900.

No. 183.—Petition of W. F. Parsons and 79 Others, of Ruapekapeka and Hukerenui. Petitioners pray that the sum of £300 may be placed on the estimates for the purpose of forming and bridging the Hukerenui South-Waiota Valley Road. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. Bth August, 1900.

No. 174.—Petition of T. W. P. Smith and 124 Others, of Kaitaia. Petitioners pray that the sum of £7,000 may be placed on the estimates for the purpose of metalline the main road from Kataia to the Port of Awanui, and from Awanui to the West Coast. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. Bth August, 1900.

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No. 156.—Petition of Bichaed Campbell Elms, of Belgrove, Nelson District. (Eeport No. 2.) 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 the Committee recommend that the petitioner be paid the sum of £500 in full satisfaction of his claim. 9th August, 1900. >:.\ - . :

No. 201.—Petition of James Bueke and 16 Others, of Pomahaka Downs Estate. Petitionebs allege that, owing to the indifferent return from their sections, they got into arrears with their rents, and, in consequence, the majority of their sections have been forfeited, and they have received notice to quit. They therefore apply for a reduction of rent. I am directed to report that, as the matter is now under the consideration of the Otago Land Board, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 10th August, 1900.

No. 241. —Petition of Jambs Laing and 13 Others, of Glorit and Tauhoa, Eodney County. Petitionebs pray that a piece of land known as the Government Climatic Eeserve, consisting of 1,500 acres, Tauhoa Survey District, may be opened for settlement. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 17th August, 1900.

No. 250.—Petition of Thomas Quealy and 103 Others, of Ellesmere Lake District. Petitionebs, who are Crown tenants and other settlers on lands adjoining Lake Ellesmere, pray that steps may be taken so that the lake can be drained into the sea and permanently kept at a low level. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 17th August, 1900.

No. 213.—Petition of Jambs Wybee and 84 Others, of Catlin's Eiver Inlet District. Petitionebs pray that steps may be taken to have a bridge erected over the Catlin's Eiver Inlet. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. . ■ , ,'.... ~ 17th August, 1900.

No 85.—Petition of Eobeet E. Lesteb, of Kohukohu, Auckland District. Petitionbe alleges that in consequence of legislation he has been deprived of 6 perches of land in the Town of Kohukohu, taken for a road. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government, with a recommendation that a valuation be made of the loss sustained by the petitioner in consequence of the land being taken from him, by a competent valuer or valuers, and the amount of such loss be awarded the petitioner. 17th August, 1900.

No. 255.—Petition of A. J. Hatpield, Jun., and Others, of Districts in Wainui Eiding, Waitemata. Petitionees pray t hat a Sum of £700 may be placed on the estimates for the improvement of roads in the Wainui Eiding. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 24th August, 1900.

No. 2. —Petition of Mrs. Maby Angelo, of Ngunguru, Whangarei, Auckland. Pbtitionee prays that she may be granted a piece of land which her late husband, Henry Dustin, became entitled to because he came to Auckland as an immigrant in 1865. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 24th August, 1900.

No. 262.—Petition of J. C. Tayloe and Others, of Kaikora, North Town, Tikokino, and Wakarara Districts. Petitionees pray that a number of gates placed on the Milbourn Valley Eoad may be removed. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 24th August, 1900.

Nos. 251 and 315.—Petitions of D. Uequhaet and Others and James Davies and Others, of Clutha Valley and Surrounding Districts. Petitionebs pray that a sum of money may be voted for the construction of the Thompson's Gorge Eoad, Clutha Valley. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petitions be referred to the Government for consideration. 24th August, 1900.

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No. 295. —Petition of Samuel Eobeetson and Others, of Malvern District. Petitioners pray for a grant of £1,000 for the purpose of constructing a bridge across the Kowai Eiver. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 24th August, 1900. , .

No. 358.—Petition of H. Stuart Masters and Others, Pukepoto, Ahipara, Wainui, and Te Whare. Petitioners, who are members of the New Zealand Farmers' Union, pray that grants to local bodies be made available for expenditure in the spring, and for certain alterations in " The Land Act, 1892." I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 4th September, 1900.

Nos. 357 and 359.—Petitions of Joseph C. Nathan and Others, and Henry McEwen and Others, of Manawatu District. Petitioners pray that the law may be so amended as to prevent their lands being specially classed for taxation, and that provision may be made for the valuation of the same at regular periodical intervals with other lands of the Manawatu district. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petitions be referred to the Government for consideration. 4th September, 1900.

No. 328.—Petition of James Ford and Others, of Takahue, Broadwood, and Outlying Districts. Petitioners pray for a grant of £1,000 for the purpose of widening the road between Takahue and Broadwood. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 4th September, 1900.

No. 43.—Petition of Walter A. White, of Hunua. Petitioner prays for compensation in connection with certain Crown lands at Hunua adjacent to his own freehold section, which he alleges he occupied with the knowledge and consent of the Lands Department. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 4th September, 1900.

No. 449.—Petition of G. W.- Draper, of Milton, late of Eatanui, Otago. Petitioner prays for consideration for money spent by him in making a road. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 11th September, 1900.

No. 325.—Petition of Eussell Bates, of Kai Iwi, Auckland. Petitioner prays for redress of alleged grievance in connection with his purchase of section of Crown land in Kai Iwi Block. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 11th September, 1900.

No. 306.—Petition of Frederick Wyatt, of Whareora, Auckland. Petitioner prays for a reduction in rent which he has to pay for a piece of land taken up by him in Auckland District, without the necessity for his surrendering and running the risk of competition. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 11th September, 1900.

No. 366. —Petition of T. C. Sainsbury and Others, of Takahue, Broadwood, and Waimamaku. Petitioners, who are members of the New Zealand Farmers' Union, pray that grants to local bodies be made available for expenditure in the spring, and for certain alterations in " The Land Act, 1892." I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 11th September, 1900.

No. 381.—Petition of James Dobbs and Others, of Hukerenui, Puhipuhi, and Surrounding Districts. Petitioners pray that the Puhipuhi State Forest may be made a reserve under the Kauri-gum Act. 1 am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 11th September, 1900.

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No. 380. —Petition of P. Bolton, of Whangamarino. Petitioner prays that Sections Nos. 451 and 452, in the Parish of Whangamarino, held by him under perpetual lease, be revalued, and that he be allowed to take them up at the new valuation without competition or surrender of his present lease. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 21st September, 1900.

No. 222. —Petition of Edward Schischka, of Puhoi. Petitioner prays for an allowance to compensate for loss alleged to have been sustained owing to shortage of land in certain allotments purchased by him in the Parish of Puhoi, Eodney County. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 21st September, 1900.

No. 486.—Petition of Alfred Hills and 18 Others, of Whangape. Petitioners pray that the sum of £250 be at once granted for the completion of two lengths of road connecting Whangape Block, Eaglan County, with the Post-office, Tuakau, to enable them to get their wool to market by wheel traffic this season. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 21st September, 1900.

No. 482.—Petition of M. Bradley and Co. and 97 Others, of Whangarei. Petitioners pray that the Puhipuhi Forest may be declared a reserve under the Kauri-gum Industry Act. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 21st September, 1900. .

No. 525.—Petition of E. Trodnson and 161 Others, of Kaihu. Petitioners pray that they may be granted sums of money for forming and metalling roads to their sections at Ahikiwi and Maunganui Bluff. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 27th September, 1900.

No. 126.—Petition of Thomas A. Yeoman and Co., of Pahiatua, and 4 Others. Petitioners complain of the action of the Lands Department in charging a higher rental for their sections than that stated at time of sale. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 27th September, 1900.

No. 528. —Petition of John Wakeham and 22 Others, of Wellington District. Petitioners pray that a Bill may be passed to enable a loan to be raised against " thirds " without the necessity of levying any special rate, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 27th September, 1900.

No. 518. —Petition of A. Kirk and 8 Others, of Waipoua. Petitioners pray that they may be granted a reduction of rent for their holdings, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 27th September, 1900.

No. 154.—Petition of Charles Wagland, of Masterton. Petitioner states that owing to an inaccurate statement by a Government valuer he was induced to purchase from the Advances to Settlers Office the Lake Estate, at Waitotara, for considerably more than its value, and he claims compensation for his losses. I am directed to report that the Committee, after hearing evidence, considers the petitioner was misled with reference to the amount of improvements and value of fencing, and recommends a refund of £500. 27th September, 1900.

No 522. —Petition of F. Eeed and 18 Others, of Utakura, &c. Petitioners pray that they may be granted a sum of money sufficient to repair the OkaihauHoreke Main Eoad, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 27th September, 1900.

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Land fob Settlements Consolidation Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Land for Settlements Consolidation Bill, have the honour to report that they have duly considered the same, and recommend that the Bill be allowed to proceed as printed. 2nd October, 1900.

No. 588.—Petition of J. H. Ebskine and 12 Others, Pomahaka. Petitionees represent their inability to pay the present high rentals for their holdings in the Pomahaka Estate, and pray for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 3rd October, 1900.

No. 555.—Petition of John McEleoy and 36 Others, of Komokoriki (No. 2). Petitionees pray that the sum of £400 be granted to repair the roads in Komokoriki district. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 3rd October, 1900.

No. 554. —Petition of John McEleoy and 43 Others, of Glorit (No. 1). Petitionees pray that the sum of £4,000 be granted to repair the road between the Makarua and Hotea Bridges. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 3rd October, 1900.

No. 491.—Petition of Hoeatio A. Walmsley, Ohinemuri. Petitionee prays for relief owing to losses sustained through the withdrawal of the right to purchase certain sections at Ohinemuri. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 3rd October, 1900.

No. 544.—Petition of John Wouldes and 26 Others, Hukerenui. Petitionees pray for a grant of £200 for repairing the Hukerenui Eoad. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 3rd October, 1900.

No. 558.—Petition of G. E. Sandees and 25 Others, Eaupo. Petitionees pray for a grant of £600 for the purpose of connecting Baupo Settlement with Oamaru and Erie Eoad. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 3rd October, 1900.

No. 510.—Petition of Thomas Allan, of Tauranga. Petitioneb prays for compensation owing to the Government having determined his lease of Uritara Island. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 9th October, 1900.

No. 599.—Petition of A. McLoskey, of Wellington. Petitionee prays that inquiry may be made into his alleged grievance in connection with his land acquired in the Hokianga district, &c. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 9th October, 1900.

No. 134.—Petition of A. McKeown, of Pihama. Petitionee 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. 9th October, 1900.

No. 597. —Petition of S. Heath and Others, of Northern Wairoa. Petitionebs pray for remission of rents. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 9th October, 1900.

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No. 606.—Petition of B. Anderson and 88 Others, of Patearoa. Petitioners pray that a bridge may be constructed over the Taieri Eiver at Law's Crossing. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 9th October, 1900.

No. 596.—Petition of L. B. Harris and 399 Others, of Auckland District. Petitioners pray that a bridge may be constructed over the Waikato Eiver at Huntly. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 9th October, 1900.

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