LANDS COMMITTEE (REPORTS OF THE). (Mr. E. NEWMAN, Chairman.)

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1913 Session I, I-05

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1913. NEW ZEALAND.

LANDS COMMITTEE (REPORTS OF THE). (Mr. E. NEWMAN, Chairman.)

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

ORDERS OF REFERENCE. Extracts from the Journals of the. House, of Representatives. Thursday, the 3rd I)\y of .lii.v, l!li:{. Ordered, " That Standing Order No. 219 be suspended, and that a Committee be appointed, oonsisting of fourteen 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 Hill ; 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. Buddo, Mr. Coatee, Mr. Forbes, Mr. Guthrie, Mr. MacDonaid, Mr. E. Newman, Mr. Nosworthy, Mr. T. W. Rhodes, Mr. Robertson, Mr. R. \V. Smith. Mr. Statham, Mr Witty, and the mover."— (Hon. Mr. Massev.) Ti ksday, the 15th Day ok .Ii m. 1913. Ordered, " That paper No. 98 C —Correspondence relating to the Sale by Public Auction of a Small Area of Land in the Cheviot District—be referred to the Lands Committee."—(Hon. Mr. Massf.y.) Thursday, thk 17th Day of July, 1913. Ordered, "That paper No. 107 C—Acquisition of Fee-simple of Renewable Leases in the Hetana Hamlet under the Land Laws Amendment Act, 1912—be referred to the Lands Committee."—(Hon. Mr. MaSSEY.) Friday, the 18th Day of .lii.y. L 913. Ordered, "That all petitions not finally dealt with during Session 11, l<ll2. stand referred to the same Committees as they were referred to during the same session."—(Hon. Mr. Massey.) Friday, the 25th Day of .July, 1913, Ordered, " That the petition of Te Maari Matuaahu and others be referred to the Lands Committee for inquiry." —(Mr. Yoitng.) Tuesday, the 29th Day of July, 1913. Ordered. "That paper No. 127 C—Papers regarding Aggregation of Land —be referred to the Lands Committee." —(Hon. Mr. Massey.) Thursday, the 7th Day ok August, 1913. Ordered, "That the Land Drainage Amendment Bill lie referred to the Lands Committee."—(Mr. Wilkinson.) Thursday, the 16th Day of OotOBHB, 1913. Ordered, " That the petition of Matthew Henry be referred to the Lands Committee for reconsideration." (Mr. Poland.) Thursday, the 27th Day of November, 1913. Ordered, "That the Kaitaia Land Drainage Bill be referred to the Lands Committee."—(Hon. Mr. Massey.) Monday, the Bth Day of Deoembf.r, 1913. Ordered, "That the Reserves and Other Lands Disposal and Publio Bodies Empowering Hill be referred to the Lands Committee."—(Hon. Mr. Massky.)

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INDEX.

No. Petition, Bill, or Paper. Page. No. Petition, Bill, or Paper. Pag< I 48 Armstrong, Heywood .. .. .. 4 Auckland City Empowering Bill .. •'! Lyttelton Harbour Board Land Bill .. <> 212 291 Beauchamp, R. De C, and others .. 3 Berg Bros, and others .. .. 5 388 243 Maher, Patrick .. .. .. f> Murphy, James .. .. .. -1 12 97 Campbell, G. F., and others .. .. 4 Carr, C. .. .. .. .. 4 Christchurch Domains Amendment Bill .. l> Cope, James, and others .. .. 3 399 103 MacKay, William, and others .. . . 6 McLoughlin, John .. .. .. 3 ik 411 Newman, George, and others .. .. 7 Education Reserves Amendment Bill .. 7 Otago Harbour Board Empowering Bill.. :! 396 79 Fowler, Matthew .. .. .. 7 Fraser, J. A. .. .. .. :! Final Report .. .. .. 8 Paper 98 C—Section 20, Block IX, Cheviot 5 Survey District Paper 107 C —Hetana Hamlet .. .. 5 Paper 127 C—Aggregation of Land . . 7 - 398 Gisborne Borough and Harbour Board 6 Lands Exchange and Empowering Bill Graham, George, and others .. .. 6 446 Reserves and Other Lands Disposal and 8 Public Bodies Empowering Bill Rangiora Drill-sh»d Site Vesting Bill .. 3 Rountree, John .. .. 7 298 298 24 354 Hamilton High School Reserve Bill .. 5 Henry, Matthew .. .. .. 5 Henry, Matthew (No. 2) .. .. fi Hodgson, Frederick .. .. .. 3 Holt, William John .. .. .. 5 400 Special Report re Chairman .. .. 8 Shennan, Robert, and others .. . . (i Springs County Council Reclamation and :i Empowering Bill Special Report (re Clerk) .. .. 8 348 Jones, J. E., and another .. .. 7 205 Te Maari Matuaahu and others .. 4 Tuakitoto and Kaitangata Lakes Amend- 8 ment Bill 397 Kain, W., and others .. .. 6 Kaitaia Land Drainage Bill .. .. 7 Kirby, T. H., and others .. .. 4 ii4 i ■ i> i • * ■ * ■ ■ i Westport Public Parks Vesting Bill .. 3 Whangarei Foreshore Vesting Bill . . 5 Young, Samuel .. .. .. 6 188 Land Drainage Amendment Bill .. 4 Land Laws Amendment <Bill .. 4 Lange, A. C. .. .. .. 4 406

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REPORTS. No. 24. —Petition of Frederick Hodgson, of Aorangi, Feilding. Praying against the leasing of Section 58, Rangitoto A No. 58b Block, to Mr. Henry Hulbert Metcalfe. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Native Affairs Committee. 21st August, 1913.

No. 103. —Petition of John McLoughlin, of Patutahi, Poverty Bay. Praying for inquiry re the forfeiture of his section in Block XIV, Waikohu Survey District. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 28th August, 1913.

No. 79.—Petition of James A. Fraser and 16 Others, of Pohangina County. Praying for amendment to section 22 of the Rating Amendment Act, 1910. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 28th August. 1913.

Westport Public Parks Vesting Bill. The Lands Committee, to which was referred the Westport Public Parks 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. 3rd September, 1913. '

Springs County Council Reclamation and Empowering Bill. The Lands Committee, to which was referred the Springs County Council Reclamation and Empowering 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 Loc.al Bills Committee. 3rd September, 1913.

Rangiora Drill-shed Site Vesting Bill. The Lands Committee, to which was referred the Rangiora Drill-shed Site Vesting Bill, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed with r.he amendment as shown on the copy attached hereto. 4th September. 1913. ,

Otago Harbour Board Empowering Bill. The Lands Committee, to which was referred the Otago Harbour Board Empowering 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. 4th September, 1913* No. 212. —Petition of R. De C. Beauchamp and 17 Others. Praying that they be allowed to purchase the freehold of their holdings now held under the small-grazing-run tenure. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government. 4th September, 1913.

No. 184. —Petition of James Cope and 20 Others. Praying that they be reinstated as Crown tenants at Punakitere. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for inquiry. 4th September, 1913.

Auckland City Empowering Bill. The Lauds Committee, to which was referred tue Auckland City Empowering Bill, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and recommends that it be allowed to pioceed as amended by the Local Bills Committee. 10th September, 1913.

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No. 48. —Petition of Heywood Armstrong, of Oparau, Kawhia. Prayixu for compensation for forfeiture of Section 2. Block V, Pirongia Survey District, which was taken by tlie Auckland Land Board. I am directed t<j report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition .should be referred to the Government with a recommendation that Mr. Armstrong be refunded any profit shown between the upset price at which the land was leased to Armstrong and the upset price at which it was leased to the new lessee, after deducting all actual expenses and outgoings. 10th September, 1913.

No. 97.—-Petition of 0. Carr, of Merrivale, Southland. Praying for compensation for mistake made in area of land purchased by him at Merrivale. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 10th September, 1913.

No. 114.—Petition of T. H. Kirby and 48 Others, of Ohakune. Praying that legislation be introduced in order to allow- them to obtain the freehold of their selections in Ohakune I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this is a question of policy, and the petition should be referred to the Government. 10th September, 1913.

No. 205 (1912). —Petition of Te Maari Matuaahu and Others, of Ruawhakahoro Block. Praying for rehearing re ownership of the Uuawhakahoro Block. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that the petitioners be granted a rehearing. 10th September, 1913.

No. 243. —Petition of PATRICK JAMES Murphy. Praying for compensation in connection with a prosecution under section 69 of the Land Act, 1908. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 10th September, 1913.

Land Drainage Amendment Bill (No. 1). Tiik I jit 11< Is Committee, to which was referred the Land Drainage Amendment Bill, has the honour to report the same to the Bouse, and recommends that it be not proceeded with, as the subject-matter will be dealt with in another Bill. 11th September, 1913.

Land Laws Amendment Bill. Thb Lands Committee to which was referred lii<' 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 as shown on the copy attached hereto. 23rd September, 1913.

No. 188. —Petition of A. C. Lange, of Maungatoroa. Praying that he be granted the full benefit of all improvements effected on his Section 2, Block V. Mokotuku. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make in regard to this petition. 26th September, 1913.

No. 12.—Petition of G. P. Campbell and 350 Others, of St. Helier's Bay, Auckland. Praying for compulsory purchase of certain Church lands in the Tamaki West Road District. I am directed to report that, in view of the fact that the Church of England Trust Board is making pro vision for the closer settlement of a portion of the property, and the balance being held under lease, the Committee refers the petition to the Government for consideration. 26th September, 1913.

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Whangarei Foreshore Vesting Bill. The Lauds Committee, to which was referred the Whangarei Foreshore Vesting Bill, lias the honour t<> report that it has carefully considered the same, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed as amended by the Local Bills Committee. 10th October, 1913.

Hamilton High School Reserve Bill. The Lands Committee, to which was referred the Hamilton High School KVserve 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 October, 1913.

No. 298. —Petition of Matthew Henry, of Balachraggan, Waitoa. Praying for a revaluation of his property at Waitoa. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 16th October, 1913.

No. 291. —Petition of Berg Bros, and 1!) Others, of Waimarino. Praying to be relieved of rates now levied on standing timber. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that this petition be referred to the Government for inquiry as to the equitableness or otherwise of rates being levied on standing timber. 16th October, 1913.

No. 354. —Petition of William John Holt, of Paerata. Praying for compensation for loss on Section 68, Selwyn Settlement. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 16th October, 1913.

Paper 107 C.—Acquisition of Fee-simple of Renewable Leases in Hetana Hamlet under the Land Laws Amendment Act, 1912. Thk Lands Committee, to which was referred the above-mentioned paper, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and during the course of the inquiry has examined the following witnesses : F. W. Flanagan, Valuer-General ; E. Morgan, District Value]-, Auckland ; F. G. Ewington, land and estate agent, Auckland ; S. M. Skeet. Commissioner of Crown Lands, Auckland ; and J. D. Ritchie, Chairman of Land Purchase Board. That, having heard the evidence of the witnesses above mentioned, the Committee is of opinion that the State has received full value for its interest in the land, as proved by the valuation made by the most competent land-valuers obtainable, and that the statements made by several newspapers to the effect that £30,000 worth of land had been parted with for £3,000 had no foundation in fact. A copy of the minutes of proceedings and evidence taken is attached liereto. (Vide 1.-5 A.) 21st October, 1913. '

Paper No. 98 C. —Regarding the Sale by Public Auction of Section 20, Block IX, Cheviot Survey District. The Lands Committee, to which was referred the above-mentioned paper, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and during the course of the inquiry has examined the following witnesses : J. Strauchon, Under-Secretary for Crown Lands ; C. R. Pollen, Commissioner of Crown Lands, Canterbury District; J. Gibson, an ex-member of the Canterbury Land Board ;T. Gee. mem ber of the Canterbury Land Board ;J. Rentoul, bee-farmer, Cheviot; and B. R. Holton, sheep-farmer, Cheviot. That, having heard the evidence of the witnesses above mentioned, the Committee is of opinion that there is not the slightest evidence to support the suggestion that either the Minister of Lands or the Lands Department was actuated or influenced by political motives in deciding to offer the section by auction under the conditions of the Cheviot Estate Disposition Act, 1893, and that the statement made by Mr. Gibson in liis letter quoted by Mr. G.W. Forbes, M.P., which reads as follows—"Mr. Massey's supporters had -approached him to allow tne section to remain in possession of the previous tenant, who farms the adjoining land " —was without foundation in fact. A copy of the minutes of proceedings and evidence taken is attached hereto. ( Vide 1.-5b.) 22nd October, 1913.

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Lyttelton Harbour Board Land Bill. The Lands Committee, to which was referred the Lyttelton Harbour Board Land 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. 22nd October, 1913. ■

No. 298.—Petition of Matthew Henry, of Waitoa. (Second Report.) Praying for a revaluation of his property at Waitoa. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that this petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 23rd October, 1913.

No. 397.—Petition of W. Kain and 27 Others, of Henley. Praying that a Royal Commission be appointed to report <>n the present condition of the Taieri Plain. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that this petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 29th October, 1913.

No. 398. — Petition of George Graham and 11 Others, of Waipori. Praying that a Royal Commission be appointed to report on the present condition of the Taieri Plain. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that this petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 29th October, 1913.

No. 399. —Petition of William G. MacKay and 16 Others, of Maungatua. Praying that a Royal Commission be appointed to report on the present condition of the Taieri Plain. 1 am directed to report that the Committee recommends that this petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 29th October, 1913.

No. 400.—Petition of Robert Shennan and 24 Others, of Berwick. Praying that a Roy*! Commission be appointed to report on the present condition of the Taieri Plain. 1 am directed to report that the Committee recommends that this petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 29th October, 1913. Christchurch Domains Amendment Bill. The Lands Committee, to which was referred the Christchurch Domains Amendment Bill, has (Ik honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and recommends that it be allowed to |>mceed with amendments as shown in copy attached hereto. 29th October, 1913. Gisborne Borough and Harbour Board Lands Exchange and Empowering Bill. The Lands Committee, to which was referred the Gisborne Borough and Harbour Board Lands Exchange and Empowering 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. 29th October, 1913. No. 388.—Petition of Patrick Maher, of Wendonside. PRAYING for an inquiry re the leasing of certain grazing-runs in the Garvey Mountain district. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 13th November, 1913.

• No. 306. —Petition of Samuel Young, of Tuapeka West. Otago. Praying lor compensation for loss of Section 49, Block I, Warepa Survey District. I am directed to report that tin- Committee is of opinion that Mr. Samuel Young is entitled to some compensation, and recommends thai this petition be referred to the Government (or consideration . 13th November, 1913.

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Education Reserves Amendment Bill. The Lands Committee, to which was referred the Education Reserves Amendment Bill, has the honour to report that it lias carefully considered the same, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed without amendment. 13th November, 1913.

Paper No. 127. —-Relative to the Aggregation of Land. The Lands Committee, to which was referred the paper above mentioned, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and during the course of the inquiry has examined the following witnesses : John Strauchon, Under-Secretary for Crown Lands ; T. N. Brodrick, Commissioner of Crown Lands, Wellington ; H. Lundius, Crown Lands Ranger in Wanganui district ; R. E. Hornblow, proprietor of the Mangaweka Settler ; F. S. Pope. Secretary for Agriculture ; and N. Craig, Crown Lands Ranger, Taihape. That in the opinion of this Committee the following allegations made by the Mangaweka Settler (1.) " That aggregation has been rampant in that district " lias been refuted by the evidence, and that there has been go aggregation except in a lew cases winch took place in years past, and was made under the then-existing land laws and with the sanction of the Board. (2.) " That land agents were going round with their pockets lined with gold to tempt the small settlers to sell out to the larger landowners " was completely disproved by the evidence. (3.) "That aggregation was encouraged by the Land Laws Amendment Act. 1912, and to a large extent was due to the, provisions of that Act " is incorrect. That the evidence clearly showed that originally much of the land liad been cut into sections (if too small an area, and that the Land Hoard had acted in the best interests of settlement by allowing the areas to be increased so as to allow the settlers to occupy an area c>l sufficient size, on which to make a living. A copy of the minutes of proceedings and evidence taken is attached hereto. (Vide 1. 51>.) 14th November. 1913.

No. 411. —Petition of George Newman and 12 Others, of Momona. Praying that a Commission be appointed to inquire into and. if possible, redress the oppressive wrongs suffered by settlers at Momona. 1 am directed to report that the Committee recommends that this petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 28th November, 1913.

No. 396. —Petition of Matthew Fowler, of Auckland. Praying for a land-grant under the 40-acre system. . I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make witii regard to this petition. 28th November, 1913.

No. 446. —Petition of John Rountree, of Hamilton. Praying for compensation for loss of standing timber through fire. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 28th November, 1913.

No. 348.—Petition of J. E. Jones and Another, of Taieri District. Praying that the bridge proposed to be erected on Boat Harbour Creek. Taieri, be placed on the deepest part of the stream. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 28th November, 1913.

Kaitaia Land Drainage Bill. The Lands Committee, to which was referred the Kaitaia Land Drainage Bill, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed without amendment. 4th December, 1913.

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TUAKITOTO AND KaITANGATA LAKES AMENDMENT BILL. The Lands Committee, to which was referred tlie Tuakitoto and Kaitangata Lakes Amendment Bill, has the honour to report that it lias carefully considered the same, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed as amended by the Local Bills Committee. 4th December, 1913.

Special Report (re Chairman). The Lands Committee desires to place on record its appreciation of the courtesy, tact, and the able manner which the Chairman, Mr. Edward Newman, presided over the deliberations of the Committee during the session. 9th December, 1913.

Reserves and Other Lands Disposal and Public Bodies Empowering Bill. The Lands Committee, to which was referred the Reserves and Other Lands Disposal and Public Bodies Empowering Bill, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed without amendment. 9th December, 1918.

Final Report. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has during the session held 31 meet-inns, of which members attended on the average of 24-8. The Committee consisted of 14 members, of whom 11 -3 attended each meeting. The number of petitions referred to the Committee was 26, the number of Bills 1 (J, and the number of papers 3, all of which have been reported to the House. 12th December, 1913.

. ■ Special Report (re Clerk). The Lands Committee desires to place on record its appreciation of the ability, care, and attention displayed by the Clerk, Mr. R. Parsons, in recording the proceedings oi the Committee, and has pleasure in recommending that his services be retained and that be be given permanent Government employment. 12th December, 1913.

Approximate Cost ot Paper. —Preparation, not given : printing (1,400 copies), i 5.

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