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

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1901 Session I, I-05

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1901. 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 Bouse of Representatives. Wednesday, the 3rd Day of July, 1901. 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 upon the principles and provisions which they contain, with power to oonfer 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. McLachlan, Mr. R. Thompson, Mr. J. W. Thomson, and the mover."—(Hon. Mr. Duncan.)

INDEX.

No. Name. Page. No. Name. Page. 498 104 320 321 322 Ashby, W. J., and others Awitu Road Board (No. 1) Awitu Road Board (No. 2) Awitu Road Board (No. 3) Awitu Road Board (No. 4) 4 2 3 3 3 172 207 891 532 786 310 Kayes, Joseph William Ker3e, Charles, and others (No. 2) Lambert, John R., and others .. Linnell, G. F., and others Long, James Lowe, Henry, and others 2 3 6 4 6 2 945 537 105 Baxter, James L., and others Betts, Henry, and others Booth, Nicoll .. 6 4 2 646 470 9 792 587 822 317 1215 308 774 188 189 565 478 Chadwiok, Walton, and others .. Ghadwin, W., and others Cheal, P. B. (No. 1) Oheal, P. E. (No. 2) .. Clark, John L., and others Cox, James G., and others 4 5 3 3 4 4 Moir, James, and others Monokton, F., and others Morrow, Robert, and others McCormiok, James MoKeever, W. MoNarn, W. .. McTaggart, D., and others McVay, J., and others 5 4 2 7 5 6 3 7 538 13 588 Davidson, J., and others de Latour, R. A., and others Draper, George Ward .. 4 2 5 96 526 Newlyn, John Heath .. Nilsson, H., and others 2 5 374 708 918 485 4 5 6 3 310 Old, John 3 Fraser, Thomas, and others Glasgow, W., and others Gledstanes, C. H., and others .. Graves, John, and others 217 621 964 Parker, W. B., and others Pearson, J. H. Prioe, George, and others 2 6 7 401 358 643 203 204 578 768 216 201 377 481 Hall, John A., and others Harnet, Edward, and others Hawkings, E. J., and others Hedley, Thomas, and others (No. 1) Hedley, Thomas, and others (No. 2) Heenan, D. J., and others Hine, V. J. .. Huddleston, Henry B. .. Hughes, John, and others Hunt, Walter T,, and others Hursthouse, R., and others 4 4 5 3 2 5 7 2 5 4 4 184 500 580 Sohroeder, G. W. ., St. Clair, John Stewart, Angus 2 3 5 1156 870 871 709 Thomas, William Thompson, J. 0. Tindall, Henry H., and others .. Torr, J. A., and others 7 6 (i 6 1075 1042 873 1176 Walsh, J. H., and others Walsh, James.. Wilkinson, George, and others .. Williamson, J., and others 7 7 6 7 874 Jones, J. Gordon, and others 6

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No. 9.—Petition of Eobbet Morrow and Others, of Euapekapeka (No. 1). Petitioners pray for a grant of £100 to complete the Kawakawa-Waiotu Valley Road. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that this petition be referred to Government for consideration. 31st July, 1901.

No. 104. —Petition of the Awitu Eoad Boaed, Auckland (No. 1). Petitioners ask for a grant of £100 to build a boat landing-jetty at Graham's Beach. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to Government for consideration. 31st July, 1901.

No. 204. —Petition of Thomas Hedlby and Others (No. 2), of Waiotu and Euapekapeka, Auckland. Petitionebs ask for a grant of £117 to form a road and compensate for right-of-way through sections 10-12, Hukerenui Survey District, I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to Government for consideration. 31st July, 1901.

No. 13.—Petition of E. A. db Latoue and Others, of Awanui. Petitioners complain of difficulties of access to their sections owing to want of roads. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the matter be referred to Government for consideration. 6th August, 1901.

No. 105. —Petition of Niooll Booth, of Maori Hill, Dunedin. Petitioner prays for restoration of road-frontages to his property. , I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 6th August, 1901.

No. 184.—Petition of G. "W. Schroeder, of Masterton. Petitioner claims ownership of Section 71, Omaka District. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 6th August, 1901.

No. 216. —Petition of Henry B. Huddleston, of Blenheim. Petitioner prays for restoration of surveyor's license alleged to have been erroneously suspended. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 6th August, 1901. •

No. 217. —Petition of W. B. Parker and Others of Omaka, Marlborough. Petitioners pray they may be allowed to remain in possession of their holdings so long as they pay rent. I am directed to report that, in the event of the Omaka Land Investigation Bill becoming law, and the finding of the Court or other authority appointed thereunder resulting in the present occupants being dispossessed, the Committee consider they are entitled to reasonable compensation for the improvements effected by them. 6th August, 1901.

No. 310. —Petition of Heney Lowe and Others, of Mokihinui, Westport. Petitioners pray for alteration in the condition of their leases under the Mining Districts Land Occupation Act. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 6th August, 1901.

No. 96. —Petition of John Heath Newlyn, of Christchurch. Petitioner prays for consideration as the author of the " cheap money scheme." I am directed to report the Committee has no recommendation to make. 20th August, 1901. '

No. 172. —Petition of Joseph William Kayes, of Pukekohe, Auckland. Petitioner complains of the forfeiture of his section by the Auckland Land Board. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that, if the petitioner has any grievance, the Auckland Land Board should grant him a hearing. 20th August, 1901.

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No. 203.—Petition of Thomas Hedley and 46 Others (No. 1), of Waiotu, Auckland. Petitioners pray for a grant of £300 for continuation of Galbraith Road, Waiotu Valley. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to Government for consideration. 20th August, 1901.

No. 188.—Petition of P. B. Cheal, of Auckland (No. 1). Petitioner prays for a refund of cost of resurvey of land at Whangaripo, necessitated by error of Government Surveyor. I am directed to report that, as there is a serious discrepancy between the statements of the petitioner and the finding of the Chief Surveyor, Auckland, the latter attributing the error to the petitioner, and not to the original Surveyor, the Committee is of opinion the dispute should be settled by the Surveyor-General. 20th August, 1901.

No. 207. —Petition of Charles Kerse and Others (No. 2), of Dunrobin. Petitioners pray that the Moa Mat Estate be acquired by the Government for close settlement. I am directed to report that the Committee, after due inquiry, is of opinion that the estate in question is not suitable for close settlement, and cannot see its way clear to recommend that the prayer of the petition be acceded to. ' 20th August, 1901.

No. 310.—Petition of John Old, of Mahoenui, Auckland. Petitioner prays for compensation owing to error in selection map of lands in -Awakino Bast District. I am directed to report that, the petition having already been dealt with (vide last year's report), and no new facts having since arisen, the Committee recommends that their former finding be referred to the Government for consideration. 21st August, 1901.

No. 485.—Petition of John Graves and Others, of Halcombe. Petitioners pray that the clause in the Counties Bill abolishing Town Boards be reconsidered. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of this Committee, the petition should be referred to the Local Government Committee. 21st August, 1901.

No. 500.—Petition of John St. Clair, of Auckland. Petitioner prays for relief, on behalf of certain grantees of lot 99, Onewhero, Lower Waikato. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the petition should be referred to the Native Affairs Committee. 21st August, 1901.

No. 189.—Petition of P. B. Cheal, of Auckland (No. 2). Petitioner prays for refund of expenses incurred in the part survey of Mangapapa Blocks. I am directed to report that, after carefully going into the matter, the Committee is of opinion Mr. Cheal has no claim against the colony. 22nd August, 1901. No. 317. —Petition of D. McTaggart and Others, of Waitahuna. Petitioners pray that a sum of £300 be granted for repairing road within Waitahuna Riding. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be forwarded to Government for consideration. 22nd August, 1901.

No. 320.—Petition of Awitu Eoad Board, Awitu, Auckland (No. 2). Petitioners pray for grant of £200 for erection of wharf at Orua Bay. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition oe forwarded to Government for consideration. 22nd August, 1901.

No. 321.—Petition of Awitu Eoad Board, Awitu, Auckland (No. 3). Petitioners pray for grant of £500 for improving Main Trunk Road between Awitu and Waiuku. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to Government for consideration. 22nd August, 1901.

No. 322.—Petition of Awitu Road Board, Awitu, Auckland (No. 4). Petitioners pray for grant of £100 for erection of boat jetty. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to Government for consideration. 22nd August, 1901.

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No. 358.—Petition of Edwaed Haknet and Others, of Hukerenui. Petitioners pray for grant of £300 for improving road to Hukerenui Railway-station. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to Government for consideration. 22nd August, 1901.

No. 377. —Petition of Walter T. Hunt and Others, of Mount Bruce. Petitioners pray that the Mount Bruce Forest Reserve be disposed of for settlement. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to Government for consideration. 22nd August, 1901.

No. 401.—Petition of John A. Hall and Others, of Kawakawa. Petitioners pray for grant of £300 for improving the Kawakawa-Ruapekapeka Road. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to Government for consideration. 22nd August, 1901.

No. 481. —Petition of R. Hursthouse and Others, of Motueka. Petitioners pray for amendment of "The Nelson Harbour Board Act, 1900," by removing the Motueka Wharf and Harbour to the control of the Borough Council, Motueka. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to Government for consideration. 22nd August, 1901.

Nos. 470, 478, and 498.—Petitions of Frederick Monckton and Others; James G. Cox and Others ; W. J. Ashby and Others, all of Featherston District. Petitioners pray that Featherscon Road District be created a county. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend these petitions be referred to the Government for consideration. 22nd August, 1901.

No. 308.—Petition of Walton Chadwick and Others, of Aratapu. Petitioners pray for a grant of £500 for making and forming Aratapu Junction portion of road, Northern Wairoa River. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be forwarded to Government for consideration. 3rd September, 1901.

No. 374. —Petition of Thomas Fraser and Others, of Whangara Block, Cook County. Petitioners pray for relief as tenants under the Validation Court of portions of Whangara Block, Cook County. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be forwarded to Government for consideration. 3rd September, 1901.

No. 532. —Petition of G. F. Linnell and Others, of Otamatea County. Petitioners pray that the Mangawai-Tokatoka Road be included in the Schedule of the proposed nsw Local Authorities Bill as a main road of the colony. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be forwarded to Government for consideration. 3rd September, 1901.

No. 537.—Petition of Henry Betts and Others, of Reefton. Petitioners pray for a grant to complete construction of the Reefton-Maruia Road to Thermal Springs at latter place, and also to improve the said springs, and provide accommodation thereat for invalids. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be forwarded to Government for consideration. 3rd September, 1901.

No. 538.—Petition of J. Davidson and Others, of Tauranga. Petitioners pray for a grant for renewing and insuring safety of Hairini embankment. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to Government for consideration. 3rd September, 1901.

No. 565. —Petition of John Lewis Clark and Others, of Tangihua, Whangarei. Petitioners pray for grant of £1,000 for metalling portion of road connecting Maunga Karamea Post-office with the Town of Whangarei. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the matter be referred to Government for consideration. 3rd September, 1901.

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No. 578.—Petition of D. J. Hbbnan and Others, of Opio, Beaumont Estate, Wairaki, Southland. Petitioners pray for relief owing to the unproductiveness of their holdings, and the high rent thereof. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend the petition be referred to Government for consideration. 3rd September, 1901.

No. 580.—Petition of Angus Stewaet, of Kaiwaka, Auckland. Petitionee complains of the action of the Native Lands Court, presided over by District Judge Edger, in awarding his holding at Otamatea to certain Natives, whereby petitioner was put to great inconvenience and loss in getting the error rectified. I am directed to report that the Committee is unanimously of opinion the petitioner should be reimbursed all expenses incurred by him through the erroneous action of the Native Land Court. The Committee further suggests the advisability of calling the attention of the Native Land Court Judge to the error committed by him, and considers he should be held responsible for the loss sustained by the petitioner, and recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 3rd September, 1901.

No. 587. —Petition of W. McKeeveb, of Tatham, Richmond Eiver District, New South Wales. Petitionee complains of being debarred from his right to sue for land claimed for services during the war in New Zealand. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 3rd September, 1901.

No. 588.—Petition of Geoege Waed Deapee, of Milton, Otago. Petitionee complains of the action of the Chief Commissioner of Crown Lands, Otago, in closing a temporary road, by which access was cut off from his holding. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 3rd September, 1901.

No. 201.—Petition of John Hughes and Others, of Welshman's, Westland. Petitionees draw attention to the neglected state of the Old Marsden Eoad. , I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to Government for consideration. 12th September, 1901.

No. 526. —Petition of H. Nilsson and Others, of Alfredton. Petitionees pray for relief in connection with a loan raised for constructing and draining the Baker Eoad, Alfredton Eiding. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to Government for consideration. 12th September, 1901. ___

No. 643. —Petition of E. J. Hawkings and Others, of Wekaweka, Auckland. Petitionees pray for revaluation of their holdings with a view to reduction of rents. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to Government for consideration. 12th September, 1901.

No. 646.—Petition of James Moie and Others, of Ahuroa Parish, Auckland. Petitionees pray for grant of £200 to repair certain roads in the Eodney County. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to Government for consideration. 12th September, 1901.

No. 708. —Petition of W. Glasgow and Others, of Tuakau Special Settlement, Auckland. Petitionees ask for grant of £300 to continue work of construction of the Onewhero-Tuakau Eoad. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to Government for consideration. 12th September, 1901.

No. 774. —Petition of W. Chadwin and Others, of Maungaturoto, Auckland. Petitionees pray for a grant of £100 to make a road to connect their holdings with the Great North Eoad. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to Government for consideration. 12th September, 1901.

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No. 871.—Petition of Hbnby H. Tindall and Others, of Matakana. Petitioners ask for a grant of £100 to construct road through certain sections in Matakana West Eoad District. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to Government for consideration. 19th September, 1901.

No. 873.—Petition of George Wilkinson and Others, of Hikurangi, Mangonui. Petitioners pray for a grant of £100 for repairing road between Hikurangi and Oruru. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to Government for consideration. 19th September, 1901.

No. 874. —Petition of J. Gordon Jones and Others, of Taheke, Hokianga. Petitioners pray that their privileges as Crown tenants of His Majesty be restored to them. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to Government for consideration. 19th September, 1901.

No. 891. —Petition of John R. Lambert and Others, of Towai, Auckland. Petitioners allege that the system upon which Crown lands are thrown open for selection is unsatisfactory, and pray for inquiry. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the matter be referred to Government for consideration. 19th September, 1901.

No. 621.—Petition of J. H. Pearson, of Auckland. Petitioner prays for Crown grant of land in Opuawhanga, Whangarei. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 26th September, 1901.

No. 786. —Petition of James Long, of Onewhero, Auckland. Petitioner prays for refund of £12 10s., survey fees paid in connection with the Gladstone Small Farm Association. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the prayer of the petition be granted, and that it be referred to Government for favourable consideration. 26th September, 1901.

No. 822.—Petition of W. McNarn, of Ngakawau. Petitioner prays for relief in connection with the leasing by the Railway Department of a narrow reserve between his property and the Westport-Ngakawau railway-line. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred- to the Railways Committee for consideration. 26th September, 1901.

No. 870.—Petition of J. C. Thompson, of Feilding. Petitioner prays for refund of £18 155., survey fees paid in connection with the Gladstone Small Farm Association. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the prayer of the petition be granted, and that it be referred to Government for favourable consideration. 26th September, 1901.

No. 709. —Petition of J. A. Torr and Others, of Tokatoka, Auckland. Petitioners pray that a wharf be built, and roads made leading thereto, at Tokatoka. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to Government for consideration. 2nd October, 1901.

No. 918. —Petition of C. H. Gledstanes and Others, of Katikati, Auckland. Petitioners pray that a Royal Commission be appointed to inquire into the manner in which Crown lands are thrown open for selection. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 2nd October, 1901.

No. 945. —Petition of James L. Baxter and Others, of Maungatua, Dunedin. Petitioners pray for a grant of £500 for deepening Lee Creek Canal. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to Government for consideration. 2nd October, 1901.

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No. 964. —Petition of Georoe Pkicb and Others, of Baton, Waimea, Nelson. Petitioners pray that a bridge be erected across the Motueka Eiver to give access to their properties free from risk. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to Government for consideration. 2nd October, 1901.

No. 1075- —Petition of J. H. Walsh and Others, of Waihi, Auckland. Petitionebs pray for relief from payment of custody fees on Crown grants in the charge of the District Land Registrar, Auckland. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 2nd October, 1901.

No. 768.—Petition of V. J. Hine (by his attorney, F. G. Bolton, Wellington). Petitionee prays that a sum of money be paid him in full of all claims to section 71, Omaka, Marlborough. I am directed to report that, after considering the various reports, affidavits, and judgments relating to the petition, the Committee agreed it had no recommendation to make. 11th October, 1901. ■

No. 792.—Petition of James McCoemiok, of Hill Street, Thames. Petitionee prays for relief owing to forfeiture of section at Te Aroha. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 11th October, 1901.

No. 1042. —Petition of James Walsh, of Tiratu, Dannevirke. Petitioner prays for a refund of expenses incurred through informal action of Land Board Hawke's Bay. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 11th October, 1901.

No. 1176. —Petition of J. Williamson and Others, of Awanui, Auckland. Petitioners pray that certain land at Opoe be thrown open for selection. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 11th October, 1901.

No. 1156.—Petition of William Thomas, of Kamo. Petitioner prays for consideration as occupier of Section 118, Parish of Whangarei. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 30th October, 1901.

No. 1215. —Petition of J. McVay and Others, Mayor and Councillors of Napier. Petitioners pray for amendment in "The Public Domains Act, 1881." I am directed, to report that, as the prayer of the petition cannot be given effect to without legislation, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 30th October, 1901.

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