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

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1911 Session I, I-05

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1911. NEW ZEALAND.

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

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

ORDER OP REFERENCE. Extracts from the Journals of the House, of Bepresentatives. Friday, thk I Ith Day of August, 1911. Ordered,, " That a Committee be appointed, consisting of ten members, to whom shall stand referred after the lirst 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. Duncan. Mr. 1011. Mr. Forbes, Mr. Guthrie, Mr. Hogg, Mr. Lang, Mr. Lawry, Mr. Witty, and the Right Hon. Sir J. <!. Ward. Bart. "- -(Hon. Mr. BtTDDO. | Tuesday, thk 22nd Day of August, 1911. Ordered, " That the name of the Right Hon. Sir J. G. Ward, Bart., be omitted from the Lands Committee, and that the name of the Hon. Mr. Buddo be substituted in lieu thereof."—(Hon. Sir J. Carroll.)

INDEX.

No. I Petition, BiU, or Paper. I No. | Petition, Bill, or Paper. Page. No. Page. No. Petition, Bill, or Paper. Page. (Ml Abbott, W. J., and 3 others 26 Alexander, Andrew Auckland Grammar School Site Bill Auckland University College Site Bill 118 Campbell Johnstone, and 7 others 317 Cattan, William J., and 132 others Christchureh Domains Bill 30 Corston, Harriette 71 CrackneU. W. H. and 18,0 others Dunedin CHty (Waipori trails) Lands Vesting Bill Education Reserves Amendment Bill Final Report 164 Given, George 93 Greer, Thomas P. Greytown Town Lands and Hospital Lands Exchange Bill Hamilton Domains Bill Hauraki Plains Amendment Bill Invercargill Reserves Vesting Bill Iron and Steel Industry Bill 118 Johnstone, Campbell, and 7 others Kaikoura Hospital Site Bill 307 Kinross. AndrewLand Amendment Bill Land Amendment Bill (No. 2) .. Land for Settlements Amendment Bill 4 Little River Domain Board Bill 3 2 Manukau Harbour Control Bill.. 2 Oamaru Municipal Exchange and Market 4 Reserve Leasing Bill 6 Onehunga Borough Vesting Bill 3 3 213 Penny, E. H.. and 3,412 others 3 169 Porter, G G., and 50 others Portobello Road District Lands Vesting 5 Bill Public Reserves and Domains Amendment Bill 2 183 Quinlan, P., and 10 others 6 Reserves and other Lands Disposal and 6 Public Bodies Empowering Bill 3 38 j Reynolds, F. G., and 13 others. . 2 Riverton Harbour Loan and Empowering Bill Ross Borough Council Vesting and Em5 powering Bill 2 Special Report 4 273 Steadman, J. B.. and Sons 7 Tapanui Commonage Reserve Exchange 4 and Leasing Bill Tuakitoto and Kaitangata Lakes Bill 2 6 Waiapu County Council (Tokomaru Harbour Endowment) Bill 2 Waikoikoi Public Hall Transfer Bill 3 229 Wakehan, W., and 73 others fi Wanganui Harbour Board Vesting Bill .. 5 4 2 1 li s 6 li 5 (i 3 4 4 7 5 4 118 5 307 4 3 -"> 2

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Auckland Grammar School Site Bill. Thk Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Auckland Grammar School Site Bill, have the honour to report that they have carefully considered the same, and recommend that it fie allowed to proceed with the amendments as shown on the copy of the Bill attached hereto. 23rd August. 1911,

Education Reserves Amendment Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Education Reserves Amendment Bill, have the honour to report the same without amendment. 23rd August, 1911.

Auckland University College Site Bill. Thk Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Auckland University College Site Bill, have the honour to report the same without amendment. 23rd August, 1911.

Gkeytown Town Lands and Hospital Lands Exchange Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Greytown Town Lands and Hospital Lands Exchange Bill, have the honour to report that they have carefully considered the same, ami recom mend that the Bill he allowed to proceed as amended by the Local Bills Committee. 25th August. 1911.

Wancanui Hakbour Hoard Vesting Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Wanganui Harbour Board Vesting Hill, have the honour to report that they have carefully considered the same, and recommend that it be allowed to proceed as amended by the Local Bills Committee. 25th August, 1911.

Land Amendment Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Land Amendment Hill, have the honour to report that they have carefully considered the same, and recommend that it he allowed to proceed with the amendment as shown on the copy attached hereto. 25th August, 191 1. .• •

Oamartj Municipal Exchange ami Market Reserve Leasing Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Oamaru Municipal Exchange and Market Reserve Leasing Rill, have the honour to report that they have carefully considered the same, and recommend that the Bill be allowed to proceed as amended by the Local Rills Committee, 25th August, 1911.

Kaikoura Hospital Site Bill. Tut: Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Kaikoura Hospital Site Bill, have the honour to report the same without amendment. 25th August, 1911.

Hauraki Plains Amendment Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Hauraki Plains Amendment Bill, have the honour to report the same without amendment, 25th August, 1911,

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Chrjst church Domains Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Christohurch Domains Bill, have the. honour to report the same without any amendment. Ist September, 1911.

No. 38.—Petition of F. G. Reynolds and 13 Others, of Waiorongomai, Auckland. Petitioners pray that the tenants of the Thames Higli School at Waiorongomai may have their leases taken over by the Government, or that the Thames High School Board ma\ be giver power to extend the term of leases ami give value for improvements. 1 am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should he referred to the Government for favourable consideration. Ist September, 1911.

Xo. 30. —Petition of Harrietts Corston, of Auckland. Petitionee prays I'm- an increase of compensation or a block of land lor loss of Crown grant of 40 acres in 1860. 1 am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make on this petition. Ist September, 1911.

Xo. 26.—Petition of Andrew Alexander, of Clevedon, Auckland. Petitionee, prays For compensation for the loss of his land grant. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. Ist September, 1911.

Land Amendment Bill (Xo. 2). Tin: Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Land Act Amendment Rill (Xo. 2), have no recommendation to make in regard to the Bill, and have to report as follows : That there are probably cases in which the Bill may provide a proper method of dealing with closed roads, hut, as there are numerous instances in which the closing of unused roads may lead subsequently to difficulty of access to farm lands, the Committee are of opinion that provision should be made in the Public Works Act to meet such cases, and refer the matter to the Government fox consideration. Bth September, 1911.

Xo. 71.—Petition of W. H. CItACKNELL and LB9 Others, of ('live and Earndon. Petitioners pray that the Earndon Park Domain may he vested in a committee of trustees instead of the Hawke's Bay County Council. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that this petition should he referred to the Government for favourable consideration. Bth September, 1911/

Xo. 93. —Petition of Thomas P. Greer, of Johnsonville. Petitionee prays that he, as lessee of a section of land being part of the Hawtrey Estate Special Settlement, Johnsonville, and being desirous of providing a home for his family, applied to the Advances to Settlers Office for an advance of ,£190; the sum of £150 only was offered, which sum is inadequate; and that his lease he cancelled and all moneys he refunded to him. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that this petition should he referred to the Government for favourable consideration. Bth September, 1911.

Waikoikoi Public Hall Transfer Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Waikoikoi Public Hall Transfer Bill, have the honour to report the same without any amendment. 22nd September, 1911.

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Rivkkton Harbour Loan and Empowering Hill. I in-: Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Riverton Harbour Loan and Empowering Bill, have the honour to report that they have carefully considered the same, and recommend that it he allowed to proceed as amended by the Local Bills Committee. 22nd September. 1911.

Waiaim County Council (Tokomari Harbour Endowment) Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Waiapu County Council (Tokoiuaru Harbour Endowment) Bill, have the honour to report that the member in charge of the Bill (Mr. Mac Donald) desires that the Bill be withdrawn ; the Committee therefore recommend that the member be allowed to withdraw the Bill. 22nd September, 1911.

Xo. 90.—Petition of W. J. Abbott and 3 Others, of Hauraki Plains. Petitioners pray that they may be granted a rebate of rent on their sections on the Hauraki Plains, having suffered pecuniary loss owing to the ravages of crickets. 1 am directed to report that the Committee recommend that this petition be referred to the Government to favourably consider an application from those settlers who have suffered loss. in order that they may be reimbursed for the grass-seed lost, on the usual terms. 22nd September, 1911.

Tapanui Commonage Reserve Exchange and Leasing Bilk. Thk Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Tapanui Commonage Reserve Exchange and Leasing Bill, have the honour to report that they have carefully considered the same, and reoom mend that it be allowed to proceed with the amendments as shown on the copy attached hereto. 4th October, 1911.

Xo. 118. —Petition of Campbell Johnstone and 7 Others, of Raglan County. Petitioners pray for relief in connection with their pastoral leases at Raglan. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make on this petition. Itli October. 1911.

Boss Borough Council Vesting and Empowering Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Ross Borough Council Vesting ami Empowering Bill, have the honour to report that lhc\ have carefully considered the same, and recommend that it be allowed to proceed as amended by the Local Bills Committee. 6th October, 1911.

Manukau Harbour Control Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Manukau Harbour Control Bill, have the honour to report that they have carefully considered the 'same, and recommend that it be allowed to proceed as amended by the Local Bills Committee. 12th October, 1911.

Onehunga Borough Vesting Bill. The Lands C littee. to whom was referred the Onehunga Borough Vesting Bill, have the honour to report that they have carefully considered the same, and recommend that it be allowed to proceed as amended by the Local Bills Committee. 12th October, 1911.

Invercargill Reserves Vesting Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Invercargill Reserves Vesting Bill, have the honour to report that they have carefully considered the same, and recommend that it be allowed to proceed as amended by the Local Bills Committee. 12th October, 1911.

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Hamilton Domains Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Hamilton Domains Bill, have the honour to report that they have carofulh considered the same, and recommend that it be allowed to proceed as amended by the Local Bills Committee. 12th October, 1911.

Tuakitoto and Kaitangata Lakes Rill. Thk Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Tuakitoto and Kaitangata Lakes Bill, have the honour to report that they have carefully considered the same, and recommend that it be allowed to proceed as amended by the Local Hills Committee. 12th October. 11)1 I.

Dunedin City (Waipobi Ealls) Lands Vesting Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Dunedin City (Waipori Ealls) Lands Vesting Hill, have the honour to report that they have carefully considered the same, and recommend that it be allowed to proceed as amended by the Local Bills Committee. 12th October, 1911.

Little River Domain Board Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Little River Domain Board Bill, have the honour lo report that they have carefully considered the same, and recommend that it he allowed to proceed as amended by the Local Bills Committee. 12th October, 1(111.

Xo. 169.—Petition of C. G. Porter and 50 Others, of Woolston, Canterbury. PETITIONERS pray that the freehold of the sections they rent at Roimata and Tamai may be sold to them. I am directed to report that, as no provision is made by law for the granting of the prayer of lhe petitioners, the Committee recommend that every facility be granted them to subdivide and to transfer to other lessees. I.'ith October, 1911.

Xo. 183.—Petition of P. QuiNLAN and 10 Others, id' Xireaha. Eketahuna. PETITIONERS pray for a reduction in the rent of their village-settlement sections at Xireaha. 1 am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration, with a recommendation that at future sales of land the Crown should state, in the "Terms of Sale" on the posters, the liability of the land relative to local rating. . 13th October, 1911.

No. 273. —Petition of J. B. Steadman and Sons, of Waikawau, Thames. Petitioners pray that their timber-rights and acquired privileges in connection with the watersheds of Waikawau and Te Mata Creeks be restored to them. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that this petition he referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 13th October, 1911.

No. 229.—rPetition of W. Wakeham and 73 Others, of Pahiatua. Petitioners pray that the Balfour Estate may be acquired by the Government for closer settlement. 1 am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 13th October, 1911.

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Xo. 213.—Petition of E. H. Penny and 3.412 Others, of Blenheim. Pktiticinkks pray thai (he Hilleisden Estate, Marlborough, be acquired by tin- Government for closer settlement. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that this petition (together with the evidence taken thereon) be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 13th October, 1911.

.Public Reserves and Domains Amendment Bill. Thk I.amis Committee, to whom was referred the Public Reserves and Domains Amendment Bill, have the honour to report that they have carefully considered the same, and recommend that it he allowed to proceed with the amendments as shown on the eopv attached hereto 18th October, 1911.

Portobello Road District Lands Vesting Bill. Tin-: Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Portobello Road District Lands Vesting Bill, have the honour to report the same without any amendment. 18th October, 1911.

No. 154.—Petition of George Given, of Walton, Auckland. Petitionee prays for compensation for error in survey of a section of land. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition he referred to the Government for consideration and inquiry. 18th October, 191 I.

Xo. 307.—Petition of Andrew Kinross, of Southland Petitionee prays for remuneration for public services rendered on the Southland Land Board. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that this petition he referred to the Government to favourably consider the desirability of allowing a sum to Mr. Kinross for his long ami faithful public services as a member of the Southland Land Board. 18th October, 1911.

Xo. 317.—Petition of William .1. Cattan and 132 Others, of West Taieri. Petitioners pray that the proposed amendments to the Taieri Drainage Act. giving the Western Taieri Drainage Board the power to borrow for any purpose whatever without taking a poll "f the ratepayers, be not passed. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 18th October. 1(11 I.

Final Report. I HAVE the honour to report that the Lands Committee have during the session held fourteen meetings. Twenty-eight Bills and fifteen petitions were referred to the Committee, all of which have been reported to the House. 20th October, 1911.

Land for Settlements Amendment Hill. Thk Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Land for Settlements Amendment Bill, have the honour to report that they have carefully considered the same, and recommend that it be allowed to proceed with the amendments as shown on the copy attached hereto. 24th October, 1911.

'••■V-'-. ■'■'• Reserves and Other Lands Disposal and Public Bodies Empowering Bill. Thk Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Reserves and Other Lands Disposal and Public Bodies Empowering Bill, have the honour to report the same without any amendment. 24th October, 1911.

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Iron and Steel Industry Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Iron and Steel Industry Bill, have the honour to report the same without any amendment. 24th October, 1911.

Special Report. I am directed to report that the Lands Committee wish to place on record their appreciation of the courtesy and tact manifested by the Chairman (Hon.. Mr. Duncan) in presiding over the deliberations of the Committee during the session. 20th October, 1911.

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