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No. 495.—Petition of Michael HaetnEtt. Petitioner states that he was discharged from the 58th Regiment in 1848, and claims a grant of land as a military settler. lam directed to report: That, as the claim of the petitioner was considered by the Naval and Military and Local Forces Land Claims Commission, the Committee see no reason to reopen the case. 30th August, 1883.

Russell Exchange of Land Bill. Yous Committee have had this Bill under their careful consideration, and have taken all available evidence on it. After full investigation, their opinion is that the Bill ought to be allowed to proceed, as the Government have received the full consideration stipulated in the agreement with Mr. Russell. The Committee therefore hold that Government is bound, in all fairness, to implement the engagement entered into, however irregular this transaction may have been, as at the date of its inception such dealings were quite common, and were not viewed with the same condemnation they would now evoke. 3rd September, 1883.

No. 408. —Petition of Peter Grant and Others. Petitioners protest against Reserves 394, 723, and 724, in the Canterbury District, set apart and hitherto used for camping and depasturing stock on the road, being leased. lam directed to report: That, the Government having determined not to lease these reserves, the Committee have no recommendation to make. 3rd September, 1883.

No. 286.—Petition of James H. Keith. Petitioner states that in 1864 he and his family arrived in Auckland, and were entitled as immigrants to a grant of land. The land orders remained unknown to him in the office of the Provincial Government until the time of presentation to the proper office had lapsed one day. The Provincial Council on two occasions recommended that under the circumstances his claim should be recognized, but the recommendation was never carried out. He prays for relief. . Jeg I am directed to recommend : That the Government be requested to give effect to the prayer of the petition, and that the sum of £130 be awarded him. 3rd September, 1883. «,

No. 247.—Petition of Samuel Yates (Eeport No. 2). I am directed to report: That the Committee, having given further consideration to Mr. Yates's petition, and not having received any fresh evidence thereon, have no further recommendation to make. 3rd September, 1883.

No. 452. —Petition of William Wheeler. Petitioner states that he was discharged from the 57th Eegiment in 1866, in New Zealand, and settled on sixty acres granted to him, viz., Section 69, Ouratangi Block. He left his land with the permission of Superintendent Richmond in search of work, under promise that his land should not be forfeited in his absence. The land, however, was declared forfeited, and was gazetted as a county reserve. He prays for relief. lam directed to report: That, the petitioner having failed to comply with the conditions of the land order, the Committee are unable to recommend the prayer of the petition. 4th September, 1883.

No. 297.—Petition of Honora Oakes. Petitioneb prays for the restoration of land purchased by her late husband in 1845. lam directed to report: That, further evidence in this case being required from Auckland, which it has not been possible as yet to obtain, the Committee recommend that this petition should be referred to any Committee which may sit next session for the consideration of similar petitions. 4th September, 1883.

By Authority: Geobge Didsbuky, Government Printer, Wellington.—lBB3.

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