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No. 293. —Petition of Ripeeata Kahutia and Another. The petitioners state that in 1869 Block 11., Turanganui, containing 741 acres, was awarded to them, by whom it was afterwards sold to tho Government. When the land was subsequently cut into sections, sold, and fenced off by the purchasers, petitioners became aware that about 109 acres had been disposed of by the Government outside the Turanganui Block, No. 11., and, after satisfying themselves respecting this by means of new surveys, they applied for an investigation into the matter by the^Native Land Court; but although the case was twice gazetted and twice called on for hearing, the inquiry has never yet taken place. They state that the grant had, nearly ten years after the award, been altered without their knowledge, so as to include the 109 acres, and that the original grant, survey, award, and 'purchase, were of 741 acres, and not of 850 acres. They now pray that the Native Land Court may be directed to make a full inquiry into the matter, and ask for such relief as may appear just. lam directed to report: That the Committee find that the case is exceedingly involved and complicated, and resolves that under the circumstances the Government be recommended to take such action as shall fix the actual point of Taumata-a-Ruku, until which point bo determined the Committee is unable to arrive at any decision. Bth August, 1882.

No. 348. —Petition of William Hodgson and Others. The petitioners are deferred-payment selectors and agricultural settlers in the Otago Provincial District, and complain generally of the oppressive provisions of the Land Act and of " The Crown Lands Sale Act, 1877," and the unsatisfactory conditions under which their land is held or acquired. They direct the attention of the Legislature to an amending Land Act prepared by one John Aitken Connell, and pray for relief. lam directed to report: That the case of a number of the petitioners is deserving of consideration at the hands of the Legislature, so as to enable them to fulfil their engagements ; and with this view tho Committee hopes to submit suggestions when the report on the Government Laud Bill is brought up. Bth August, 1882.

No. 385.—Petition of Wm. Lindsay and Others. The petitioners applied for sections on deferred payments of Bun No. 106, County of Tuapeka, which was thrown open for selection, but they were outbidden at the sale and they believe that the successful competitors in some cases are owners of more than 640 acres, and in others were employed by the late lessee of the run. They consider that some of the purchasers are not bond fide selectors, and they pray for an inquiry into the matter. lam directed to report: That the attention of the Government be directed to the allegations in the petition, with a view to seeing that the regulations are enforced. Bth August, 1882.

No. 300.—Petition of Thomas Heath and Others. The petitioners state that the leases of a large area of land in the Waikaia Valley, set apart as an education endowment and suitable for settlement, will expire in 1883-84 ; and that the land has been leased by the Education Commissioners for twenty-one years, and has not yet been proclaimed open for settlement. They consider that the manner in which the land has been surveyed and leased is detrimental to the sale or lease of land adjoining and prejudicial to tho interests of the district, and they request an investigation into the manner in which such Linda have been dealt with. lam directed to report: That the matter is deserving consideration at the hands of the Legislature, and with this view the Committee hopes to submit suggestions when its report on the Government Land Bill is brought up. Bth August, 1882.

No. 322. —Petition of Thomas Geoege Hate. The petitioner states that in 1815 he was taken from remunerative employment at the Bay of Islands to join in military service in the capacity of bullock-driver, and that an application he had made for a grant of land had been refused. He is now sixty-seven years of age, in painfully distressed circumstances, and unable to work, and he prays for relief. lam directed to report: That the petitioner has no claim. Bth August, 1882. ___^___^

No. 347.—Petition of James Linn. The petitioner arrived in the colony in. 1861, belonging to the 4th Brigade Royal Artillery, and served seven years at Taranaki and in the Waikato. He then retired from the service and became a settler, and he now prays for a grant of sixty acres of land. lam directed to report: That the petitioner has no claim. - 11th August, 1882.

No. 356.—Petition of Eobeet Geaham (No. 6). The petitioner states that in 1815 he purchased certain land at Ellerslie, Auckland, from a European, in whose favour the right of pre-emption had been waived. The land was properly surveyed and adjudicated upon, and five shillings an acre paid by the petitioner to the Government, but when the Crown grant was issued it appeared that fifty acres of the land purchased had been omitted therefrom. Petitioner prays for relief. lam directed to report: That the petitioner has failed to establish any claim. 11th August, 1882.