n.—No, 1

The Select Committee to whom was referred the Wellington Reclaimed Land Bill have the honor to report that they have examined the Bill, and taken evidence thereon, a copy whereof is appended to this Report, and recommend that the Bill be passed, with the alterations, elisions, and amendments, shown in the amended copy attached to tins Report. William Fitzheebeet, oth September, 1871. Chairman.

.. ■ ■. . -■ , ■ . . ■ _ MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS. Thursday, Ist September, 1871. The Committee met pursuant to notice. Pbesent: Mr. Bradshaw, Mr. O'Neill, Mr. Bunny, Mr. Pearce, Hon. Mr. Fitzherbert, Mr. Reynolds. The order of reference having been read, the Hon. Mr. Fitzherbert was elected Chairman of the Committee. Mr. Bunny being requested to make a statement of the whole transactions relative to the sale of the Reclaimed Land, put in a statement, which is copied below. 12th August, 1871. —At a meeting of the City Council held this day, Councillor Moss gave notice of motion on Reclaimed Land. 19//;. —At a meeting of the City Council held this day, on the motion of Councillor Moss, seconded by Councillor Mills, it was resolved, " That, in the opinion of this Council, an attempt should be made to acquire the Reclaimed Land and the Wharf for the City of Wellington; and, with this object in view, the Clerk be instructed to write to His Honor the Superintendent, asking if the Provincial Government is willing to treat with the Corporation for the sale of these properties." Letter No. 1. —Copy of Letter from Town Clerk to the Superintendent. Sib,— City Council Chambers, Wellington, 22nd May, 1871. By instructions of this Council, I have the honor to enclose copy of a resolution passed at last meeting regarding the Reclaimed Land and Wharf. The Council will be glad to hear from you as soon as convenient whether this proposal is likely to be entertained by the Provincial Government. I have, &c, J. Rigg, His Honor the Superintendent. Town Clerk. " Resolved, That, in the opinion of this Council, an attempt should be made to acquire the Reclaimed Land and the Wharf for the City of Wellington ; and, with this object in view, the Clerk be instructed to write to His Honor the Superintendent, asking if the Provincial Government ia willing to treat with the Corporation for the sale of these properties." Answer to Letter No. 1. —Copy of Letter from Superintendent to Town Clerk. Sic, — Superintendent's Office, Wellington) 23rd May. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 22nd instant, enclosing copy o£a resolution passed by the City Council at its last meeting, relative to its acquiring the Reclaimed Land and Wharf. In reply, I beg to state that the Provincial Government are willing to treat with the City Corporation for the sale of those properties, and to suggest that the proposals of the Council be made as early as possible, in order that they may be laid before the Provincial Council at its next meeting, for the despatch of business, on the 6th of next month. I have, &c, William Fitzhebbebt, Superintendent. 2nd June. —At a meeting of the City Council held this day, regarding the letter of the Superintendent with reference to the Reclaimed Land, it was moved by Councillor Borlase, seconded by Councillor Mills, " That a Committee be appointed to confer with the Government in the matter; such Committee to consist of the Mayor, Councillors Mills, Plimmer, Moss, Ramie—three to be a quorum."

REPORT OF THE WELLINGTON RECLAIMED LAND BILL COMMITTEE.