LANDS COMMITTEE (REPORTS OF THE). (Hon. Mr. T. DUNCAN, Chairman.)

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1909 Session II, I-05

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1909. NEW ZEALAND.

LANDS COMMITTEE (REPORTS OF THE). (Hon. Mr. T. DUNCAN, Chairman.)

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

ORDERS OF REFERENCE. Extracts from the Journals of the House of Representatives. Friday, the Bth Day of October, 1909. Ordered, " That a Committee be appointed, consisting of ten members, to whom shall stand referred after the first reading all Bills affecting or in any way relating to the lands of the Crown or educational or other public reserves ; the Committee to have power to make such amendments therein as they think proper, and to report generally when necessary upon the principles and provisions of the Bill;' the Committee to have power to call for persons, papers, and records ; three to be a quorum : the Committee to consist of Mr. Anderson, Hon. Mr. T. Duncan, Mr. Ell, Mr. Forbes, Mr. Guthrie, Mr. Hogg, Mr. Lang, Mr. La wry, Mr. Witty, and the mover."—(Right Hon. Sir J. G. Ward.) Friday, the 15th Day of October, 1909. Ordered, " That all petitions presented during session 1908 and not finally dealt with stand referred to the same Committees they were referred to during said session ; also, that all petitions presented during Session I, 1909, stand referred to the Petitions Classification Committee."—(Right Hon. Sir J. G. Ward.) Wednesday, the 10th Day of November, 1909. Ordered, " That the petition of H. Palmer and others be referred to the Lands Committee."—(Mr. Craiqie.) Wednesday, the 17th Day of November, 1909. Ordered, " That the petition' of R. F. Henderson and others be referred direct to the Lands Committee."— (Mr. Forbes.) Thursday, the 18th Day of November, 1909. Ordered, " That the petition of C. M. Hansen be referred to the Lands Committee."—(Mr. Davey.) Tuesday, the 23rd Day of November, 1909. Ordered, " That the Land for Settlements Administration Bill be referred to the Lands Committee.".—(Right Hon. Sir J. G. Ward.) Ordered, " That the Land Laws Amendment Bill be referred to the Lands Committee."—(Right Hon. Sir J. G. Ward.) Wednesday, the 24th Day op November, 1909. Ordered, " That the petition of D. A. Poole and others be referred direct to the Lands Committee."—(Mr. Okey.) Friday, the 26th Day of November, 1909. In accordance with Standing Order No. 339, the Taranaki Agricultural Society Empoweiing Bill, the Otago Distriot (Hospital) Board Kaitangata Reserve Vesting Bill, the Gisborne High School Amendment Bill, the Otago Dock Trust Lands Reclamation and Street-widening Bill, the Waipukurau Reserve Bill, and the Opunake Harbour Amendment Bill stand referred to the Lands Committee. Wednesday, the Ist Day of December, 1909. Ordered, " The New Plymouth Reclamation Bill stands referred to the Lands Committee." Friday, the 3rd Day of December, 1909. Under Standing Order No. 339 the Thames Harbour Board Empowering Bill, the Westport Water-supply Conservation Bill, the City of Auckland Enabling Bill, the Hutt Park Amendment Bill stand referred to the Lands Committee.

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Thursday, the 9th Day or December, 1909. Ordered, " That the Lands Committee have leave to sit this afternoon dxiring the sitting of the House." Ordered, " That the petition of C. Findlay and others be referred direct to the Lands Committee."—(Hon. Mr. T. Mackenzie.) Under Standing Order No. 339, the Kaitangata Drainage and Sanitation Bill, the Grey Lynn Domain Vesting Bill> the Bluff Harbour Board Empowering Bill, and the Inglewood Technical School Site Bill stand referred to the Lands Committee. Monday, the 13th Day of December, 1909. Ordered, " That the petition of John Riddell, presented on Thursday, tho 2nd instant, be referred direct to the Lands Committee."—(Mr. Jennings.) Wednesday, the 15th Day of December, 1909. Under Standing Order No. 339 the Waitara Borough Reserves Vesting Bill stands referred to the Lands Committee. Ordered, " That tho report of the Lands Committee on the petition of J. Riddell be referred back to that Committee for reconsideration."—(Mr. Jennings.) Ordered, " That the report of the Lands Committee on the petition of F. M. Kenny and others be referred back to the Committee for reconsideration."—(Mr. Ross.)

INDEX.

No. Petitioners. Page. 105 542 Allan, Thomas, and 10 others Askin, Samuel P. Auckland City Enabling Bill, 5 4 3 104 22 Bay Town Board and 1,199 others Beatty, Brittain Bluff Harbour Board Empowering Bill .. 5 3 4 City of Auckland Enabling Bill Cleary, J. M., and 12 others' 5 100 107 Duncan, A. R., and 25 others 5 215 Ellis, William J. 5 Final Report Findlay, Charles, and 22 others 7 7 ili.'S 08 Geared, W., and 10 others Gisborne High School Amendment Bill .. Grey Lynn Domain Vesting Bill 5 3 4 50 00 Hansen, CM. Henderson, R. F. Hopkins, W. J., and 17 others Hutt Park Amendment Bill 4 4 5 :i Inglewood Technical School Site Bill 4 «7 31 31 11(1 Kaitangata Drainage and Sanitation Bill Keates, W., and 16 others Kenny, F. M. (No. 1) .. „ (No. 2) Koona, Tieka, and 22 others (vide Appendix I.-5B) 4 6 5 li 7 Land Laws Amendment Bill (vide Appendix I.-5A) Land for Settlements Administration Bill Lane, Eustace Lees, T. R., and 38 others 3 .84 ,22 3 li li m Mackenzie County Council 4

No. j Petitioners. Page. 59 Manukau Control and Auckland Harbour Board Empowering Bill Marshall, Frank, and 95 others Masterton Trust Lands Exchange Bill .. I Mitchell, W. M. fi 5 7 3 208/08 175/08 31 ; McKellar, W. G. McLean, Hugh 3 7 New Plymouth Harbour Reclamation Kill 3 217 128 O'Connor, Catherine O'Keefe, M. D., and 34 others Opunake Harbour Amendment Bill Otago District (Hospital) Board Kaitangata Reserve Vesting Bill Otago Dock Trust Lands Reclamation and ?i;Street-widening Bill Poole, D. A., and 69 others Power, M. G. Priest, Martin B. H. .. Palmer, H., and 7 others 4 5 3 3 3 534 4fi8 32 185 7 5 3 7 546 546 Riddell, John (No. 1) .. „ (No. 2) .. 5 fi 559 Stowcll, Helen Bj (i Taranaki Agricultural Society Empowering Bill Taieri Plain, Drainage of (vide Appendix I.-5B) Thames Harbour Board Empowering Bill Tizard, E. T. Townley, J., and 10,999 others 3 7 293 218 3 6 (i 36 Voght, Harry 6 Waipukurau Reserve Bill Waitara Borough Vesting Bill Wanganui School-sites Bill Westport Water-supply Conservation Bill Whatman, A. A., and 15 others 3 5 7 4 5 393

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REPORTS.

Land for Settlements Administration Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Land for Settlements Administration Bill, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed with the amendments shown on the copy of the Bill attached hereto. 26th November, 1909.

Land Laws Amendment Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Land Laws Amendment Bill, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed with the amendments shown on the attached copy. 2nd December, 1909. [Vide Appendix 1.-sa.]

Taranaki Agricultural Society Empowering Bill; Otago District (Hospital) Board Kaitanuata Reserve Vesting Bill; Gisborne Hum School Amendment Bill; Otaoo Dock Trust Lands Reclamation and Street-widening. Bill ; Waipukurau Reserve Bill; Opunaee Harbour Amendment Bill; New Plymouth Harbour Reclamation Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the above-mentioned Bills, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and recommends that they be allowed to proceed as amended by the Local Bills Committee. 2nd December, 1909.

City of Auckland Enabling Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the City of Auckland Enabling Bill, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed as amended by the Local Bills Committee. 9th December, 1909. _

Nos. ITo and 204 (1908).—Petitions of W. G. M. McKellar, of Oamaru, and W. M. Mitchell, of Oamaru. Petitioners pray for compensation for loss sustained by refusal to grant a renewable lease under section SO of " The Land. Laws Amendment Act, 1907," on the Otekaike Estate. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on these petitions. 9th December, 1909.

No. 22.—Petition of Brittain Beatty, of Pukekohe. Petitioner prays for an amendment of the Land Drainage Act. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration, with a view to the law being amended to meet such cases as the petitioner's. 9th December, 1909.

No. 32.—Petition of Martin B. H. Priest, of Makaretu, Hawke's Bay. PETITIONER prays for refund of certain moneys in connection with village settlement at Cape Turn again. I am directed to report that this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration, with a recommendation that the money be refunded to petitioner. 9th December, 1909.

Thames Harbour Board Empowering Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the above-mentioned Bill, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed as amended by the Local Bills Committee. 10th December, 1909.

Hutt Park Amendment Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Hutt Park Amendment Bill, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed with the amendments shown on the attached copy. 10th December, 1909.

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Westport Water-supply Conservation Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Westport Water-supply Conservation Bill, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and indorses the recommendation of the Local Bills Committee that the Bill be not allowed to proceed. 10th December, 1909.

Kaitangata Drainage and Sanitation Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the above-mentioned Bill, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and indorses the recommendation of the Local Bills Committee that the Bill be not allowed to proceed. 10th December, 1909. Grey Lynn Domain Vesting Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the above-mentioned Bill, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed as amended by the Local Bills Committee. 10th December, 1909. Bluff Harbour Board Empowering Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the above-mentioned Bill, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed as amended by the Local Bills Committee. 10th December, 1909. Ingle wood Technical School Site Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the above-mentioned Bill, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed as amended by the Local Bills Committee. 10th December, 1909. No. 217.—Petition of Catherine O'Connor, of Northland, Wellington. Petitioner prays that she may be compensated for loss sustained b}' the closing of certain roads; or, if compensation be denied her, that she have the right of having her claim heard in a Court of law. I am directed to report that the Committee recognises that the petitioner has a claim for compensation, and recommends that the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 15th December, 1909. No. 542.—Petition of Samuel P. Askin. Petitioner prays for a subsidy for the upkeep of Clarence Bridge accommodation-house, and renewal of lease of reserve attached thereto. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 15th December, 1909. No. 150.—Petition of C. M. Hansen. Petitioner prays for compensation, or restoration of section of land at Whakataue. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition 15th December, 1909. No. 482.—Petition of R. F. Henderson and 3 Others. Petitioners pray for right of renewal of grazing leases in the Oxford district. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 15th December, 1909. No. 493.—Petition of Mackenzie County Council Petitioners pray for refund of forfeited deposit on certain land. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 15th December, 1909.

Grey Lynn Domain Vesting Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the above-mentioned Bill, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed as amended by the Local Bills Committee. 10th December, 1909.

Bluff Harbour Board Empowering Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the above-mentioned Bill, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed as amended by the Local Bills Committee. 10th December, 1909.

Ingle wood Technical School Site Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the above-mentioned Bill, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed as amended by the Local Bills Committee. 10th December, 1909.

No. 217.—Petition of Catherine O'Connor, of Northland, Wellington. Petitioner prays that she may be compensated for loss sustained b}' the closing of certain roads; or, if compensation be denied her, that she have the right of having her claim heard in a Court of law. I am directed to report that the Committee recognises that the petitioner has a claim for compensation, and recommends that the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 15th December, 1909.

No. 542.—Petition of Samuel P. Askin. Petitioner prays for a subsidy for the upkeep of Clarence Bridge accommodation-house, and renewal of lease of reserve attached thereto. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 15th December, 1909.

No. 150.—Petition of C. M. Hansen. Petitioner prays for compensation, or restoration of section of land at Whakataue. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 15th December, 1909.

No. 482. —Petition of R. F. Henderson and 3 Others. Petitioners pray for right of renewal of grazing leases in the Oxford district. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 15th December, 1909.

No. 493.—Petition of Mackenzie County Council. Petitioners pray for refund of forfeited deposit on certain land. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 15th December, 1909.

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No. 304.— Petition of the Bay Town Boakd and 1,199 Others. Petitioners pray for a recreation reserve at Anderson's Bay. 1 am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the subject-matter of the petition should be dealt with by a local Bill; therefore the Committee has no recommendation to make. 15th December, 1909.

Nos. 105, 106, 107, 108, and 109.—Petitions of Thomas Allan and 10 Others, J. M. Cleaky and 12 Others, A. R. Duncan and 25 Others, W. Geared and 10 Others, and W. J. Hopkins and 17 Others. Petitioners pray that the option of the freehold may be granted to them. 1 am directed to report that, as the question is one of public policy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 15th December, 1909. No. 131.—Petition of F. M. Kenny and -i.'jl Others. Petitioners pray for acquisition of land in the vicinity of Woodville for closer settlement. 1 am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 15th December, 1909. No. 546.—Petition of John Riddell. (No. 1.) Petitioner prays that holders of leases of small gra/ing-runs prior to the passing of " The Land Laws Amendment Act, 1907," be enabled to obtain an exchange of their leases for renewable leases on terms and conditions not inconsistent with " The Land Act, 1908." I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. loth December, 1909. No. 128.—Petition of M. D. O'Keefe and 34 Others. Petitioners pray that a block of land at the Hauraki Plains be opened for selection. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 15th December, 1909. No. 468.—Petition of M. G. Power. Petitioner prays for compensation for buildings in township of Paeroa destroyed by fire. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 15th December, 1909. No. 215.—Petition of William J. Ellis. Petitioner prays for return of deposit on section of land in Paeroa Township. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 15th December, 1909. No. 59.—Petition of Frank Marshall and 95 Others. Petitioners pray for a reserve for recreation and water-supply to be set aside near Morrinsville. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 15th December, 1909. Waitara Borough Reserves Vesting Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Waitara Borough Reserves Vesting Bill, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed as amended by the Local Bills Committee. 16th December, 1909. No. 393.—Petition o-f A. A. Whatman and 15 Others, of Waimarama. Petitioners pray for relief from payment of rates on the Waimarama Special Settlement. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make upon this petition. 16th December, 1909.

No. 131.—Petition of F. M. Kenny and 431 Others. Petitioners pray for acquisition of land in the vicinity of Woodville for closer settlement. 1 am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 15th December, 1909.

No. 546.—Petition of John Riddell. (No. 1.) Petitioner prays that holders of leases of small grazing-runs prior to the passing of " The Land Laws Amendment Act, 1907," be enabled to obtain an exchange of their leases for renewable leases on terms and conditions not inconsistent with " The Land Act, 1908." I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. loth December, 1909.

No. 128.—Petition of M. D. O'Keefe and 34 Others. Petitioners pray that a block of land at the Hauraki Plains be opened for selection. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 15th December, 1909.

No. 468.—Petition of M. G. Power. Petitioner prays for compensation for buildings in township of Paeroa destroyed by lire. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 15th December, 1909.

No. 215.—Petition of William J. Ellis. Petitioner prays for return of deposit on section of land in Paeroa Township. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 15th December, 1909.

No. 59..—Petition of Frank Marshall and 95 Others. Petitioners pray for a reserve for recreation and water-supply to be set aside near Morrinsville. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 15th December, 1909.

Waitara Borough Reserves Vesting Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Waitara Borough Reserves Vesting Bill, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed as amended by the Local Bills Committee. 16th December, 1909.

No. 393.—Petition of A. A. Whatman and 15 Others, of Waimarama. Petitioners pray for relief from payment of rates on the Waimarama Special Settlement. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make upon this petition. 16th December, 1909.

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No. 557.—Petition of W. Keates and 1G Others, of Waimarama. Petitioners pray that they may be granted a concession in regard to payment of rent at Waimarama. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. Kith December, 1909.

No. 559.—Petition of Helen B. Stowell and 20 Others, of Westport. I'ktitioneks pray that they may be granted a title to their sections at Westport. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 16th December, 1909. No. 218.—Petition of J. Townley and 10,999 Others, of Waiapu. Petitioners pray for the opening-up of further Native lands in the Waiapu and Cook Counties. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration, with a recommendation that the land be acquired for settlement purposes as soon as possible. 16th December, 1909. No. 293.—Petition of E. F. Tizakd, of Birkenhead. Petitioner prays that he may be allowed to select a moderate area of Government land on the Piako River for flax-growing purposes. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make upon this petition. 16th December, 1909. No. 484.—Petition of Eustace Lane, of Pukehou. Pbtitionkh prays for inquiry in connection with the Hawke's Bay Land Board. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 16th December, 1909. No. 131.— Petition of F. M. Kenny and 431 Others. Petitioners pray for acquisition of land in the vicinity of Woodville for closer settlement. 1 am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 16th December, 1909. No. 36.—Petition of Hahry Voght, of Omata, New Plymouth. Petitioner prays for compensation in connection with a farm near Huntly. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 16th December, 1909. No. 546.—Petition of John Riddell, of Mahoemii. (No. 2.) Petitioner prays that holders of leases of small grazing-runs prior to the passing of " The Land Laws Amendment Act, 1907," be enabled to obtain an exchange of their leases for renewal leases on terms and conditions not inconsistent with " The Land Act, 1908." I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 16th December, 1909. No. 522.—Petition of T. R. Lees and 38 Others, of Te Araij Poverty Bay. Petitioners pray that " The Land Act, 1908," be amended to give power to holders of leases under the renewable-lease system to obtain the fee-simple of their holdings under favourable conditions. I am directed to report that, as the question is one of public policy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 16th December, 1909. Manukau . Control and Auckland Harbour Board Empowering Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the above-mentioned Bill, lias the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed as amended by the Local Bills Committee. 20th December, 1909,

No. 218.—Petition of J. Townley and 10,999 Others, of Waiapu. Petitioners pray for the opening-up of further Native lands in the Waiapu and Cook Counties. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration, with a recommendation that the land be acquired for settlement purposes as soon as possible. 16th December, 1909.

No. 293.—Petition of E. F. Tizard, of Birkenhead. Petitioner prays that he may be allowed to select a moderate area of Government land on the Piako River for flax-growing purposes. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make upon this petition. 16th December, 1909.

No. 484.—Petition of Eustace Lane, of Pukehou. Petitioner prays for inquiry in connection with the Hawke's Bay Land Board. 1 am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 16th December, 1909.

No. 131.—Petition of F. M. Kenny and 431 Others. Petitioners pray for acquisition of land in the vicinity of Woodville for closer settlement. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 16th December, 1909.

No. 36.—Petition of Harry Voght, of Omata, New Plymouth. Petitioner prays for compensation in connection with a farm near Huntly. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 16th December, 1909.

No. 546.—Petition of John Riddell, of Mahoenui. (No. 2.) Petitioner prays that holders of leases of small grazing-runs prior to the passing of " The Land Laws Amendment Act, 1907," be enabled to obtain an exchange of their leases for renewal leases on terms and conditions not inconsistent with " The Land Act, 1908." I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 16th December, 1909.

No. 522.—Petition of T. R. Lees and 38 Others, of Te Arai, Poverty Bay. Petitioners pray that " The Land Act, 1908," be amended to give power to holders of leases under the renewable-lease system to obtain the fee-simple of their holdings under favourable conditions. I am directed to report that, as the question is one of public policy, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 16th December, 1909.

Manukau . Control and Auckland Harbour Board Empowering Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the above-mentioned Bill, lias the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed as amended by the Local Bills Committee. 20th December, 1909.

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Wanganui School-sites Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Wanganui School-sites Bill, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed without amendment. 20th December, 1909.

Masterton Trust Lands Exchange Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Masterton Trust Lands Exchange Bill, ha* the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed without amendment. 20th December, 1909.

No. 534. —Petition of D. A. Poole and 60 Others. Petitioners pray that they may be granted payment for all improvements done by them upon the lands leased by them from the Public Trustee, and for a perpetual renewal of such leases, and thai in assessing upon any renewal of leases none of the improvements done by the petitioners shall lx a taken into consideration. lam directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration, with a recommendation that the proposals submitted by the. Public Trustee and accepted by the petitioners be adopted. The correspondence and minutes of evidence are attached hereto. 20th December, 1909.

Nos. 319, 563, and 185.—Petitions of Tieka Koona and 22 Others, Charles Findlay and Others, H. Palmer and 7 Others. Petitioners pray for inquiry into and redress for certain grievances in connection with the drainage of the Taieri Plain. lam directed to report that the Committee recommends that one Board is best able to deal with the Taieri drainage scheme ; that the classification and boundaries are not satisfactory on the East Taieri side; that some judicial authority or commission be appointed to deal wth the 1 latter recommendation. The minutes of evidence are attached hereto. 20th December, 1909. [Vide Appendix 1.-sb.]

No. 31. —Petition of Hugh McLean, of Wellington. Petitioner prays for compensation for loss in connection with the Wairiki Runs. lam directed to report that this Committee is convinced that the petitioner, Mr. Hugh McLean, has suffered severe loss owing to the non-reduction of his rent as recommended by the Otago School Commissioners in 1897. The Committee is of opinion that Mr. McLean should be adequately compensated for the above loss, and strongly recommends that the Government should favourably consider the prayer of this petition. 22nd December, 1909. _

Final Report. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has during the session held nine meetings, with average attendance of 8-04. The number of petitions referred to the Committee was 56, 33 of which were reported on and 23 held over until next session. Twenty-one Bills were referred to the Committee, al\ of which were reported on. The Committee desires to place on record its appreciation of the courtesy and tact manifested by the Chairman (Hon. Mr. T. Duncan) in presiding over the deliberations of the Committee during the session. 22nd December, 1909.

Schedule of Petitions held over until Next Session. No. 86.— W. Munn and 11 Others, and 20 similar Petitions. ~ 571. —Messrs. Forest and Clarke. ~ 597.—M. C. Robieson and 17 Others.

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