1.—4,

4

No. 202.—Petition of G. F. Sherwood and 326 Others. The petitioners urge the occupation of the confiscated lands by londfide settlers. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 22nd July, 1880.

Nos. 214 and 215. —Petition of George Rymee and Thomas McCoubrie and Others. The petitioners petition relative to sections of land forfeited by them in the Heretaunga Small-Farm Settlement. I am directed to report that, whereas the petitioners appear to have complied with all the conditions of settlement, except of personal residence, as required by " The Land Act, 1879," in respect to bush-lands, the Committee considers that the spirit of that Act was intended by this Committee to apply to cases of this description, and therefore recommends the Government to deal with the cases accordingly. 22nd July, 1880.

No. 219. —Petition of Catherine King. The petitioner prays for a grant of land to which her late husband was entitled. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that any claim the petitioner may ever have had has lapsed. 22nd July, 1880. _.

No. 240.—Petition of Geoege Strong. The petitioner prays, on behalf of his children, that they should be allowed to occupy Crown lands. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petitioner has no claim. 22nd July, 1880.

No. 241.—Petition of James Davidsoic and 188 Others. The petitioners petition relative to survey and administration of waste lands in the County of Patea. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition be referred to the Government for their favourable consideration. 22nd July. 1880.

No. 242.—Petition of James Davidson and 192 Others. Thb petitioners pray for a separate Land Board for the County of Patea. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 22nd July, 1880.

No. 153.—Petition of James Walmsley and 11 Others. The petitioners pray that they be allowed grants of land in consideration of services in the Colonial Defence Force. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the attention of the Executive Government be specially directed to the various reports, both of a Eoyal Commission and of a Committee of the House of Representatives, upon the question, with a view to the necessary action being taken thereupon. 22nd July, 1880.

I Nos. 121, 203, and 204.—Petition of Geoese Marshall, Samuel Jones, and John McNamaea. The petitioners petition relative to the non-receipt of land-scrip. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petitioners have no claim. 28th July, 1880.

No. 233.—Petition of William Dennett and Others. The petitioners pray for grants of land for services in the Colonial Defence Force. 1 am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petitioners have no claim. 28th Juiy, 1880.

Taeanaki Ikon-smelting Works Lands Act 1874 Amendment Bui. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Taranaki Iron-smelting Works Lands Act 1874 Amendment Bill, has directed me to report that the Committee is of opinion that there is no reason to divert from the recommendation of the Waste Lands Committee last session in favour of this Bill. 28th July, 1880.

Wangakct Habbottb and Biter Conservators Board Grant Bill. Thk Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Bill intituled the "Wanganui Harbour and River Conservators Board Grant Act, has directed me to report that the Committee recommends this Bill to the approval of the House. 28th July, 1880.