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No. 17.—Petition of P. A. Peteeson and 469 other Gum-diggers. The petitioners state that for a number of years the Bluff Swamp—Waipoua Survey District—has been used for gum-digging purposes ; that, having heard that the Government are about to sell the swamp to a private party, they pray that the property may not be sold, but retained for gumdigging purposes. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom this petition was referred, have the honour to report that they have no recommendation to make. - 17th July, 1890.

No. 16.—Petition of Maegabet McKenzie. The petitioner states that she purchased from the Government two sections containing 100 acres at Martin's Bay; that, owing to frequent slips, her land has become covered with shingle, and is almost useless. She prays that Government will give her a grant of 50 acres of land adjoining her present holding. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom this petition was referred, have the honour to report that they recommend that the petition be referred to Government for consideration. 17th July, 1890. _______________

No. 24.—Petition of James Hobn and 20 Others. The petitioners state they are agricultural-lease holders under deferred-payment system in the Wakatipu district. They pray that a clause may be inserted in " The Selectors' Lands Eevaluation Act, 1889," extending the provisions thereof to agricultural-lease holders. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom this petition was referred, have the honour to report that they are of opinion that the petition should be referred to Government for consideration. 18th July, 1890.

No. 57.—Petition of W. G. Gabkaed (No. 1). The petitioner prays that his claim for a grant of land, for services performed in the British Navy during Maori war, may be considered. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom this petition was referred, have the honour to report that they are of opinion this petition should be referred to Government for consideration. 18th July, 1890.

Nos. 83, 84, and 85.—Petitions of F. F. Day and Others, P. S. Bbown and Others, and William Coens and Others. The petitioners pray for the immediate construction of the already-surveyed Kamo-Puhipuhi Tramway extension, the present roads being incapable of carrying the traffic of the district. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom these three petitions have been referred, have the honour to report that they are of opinion that, the subject-matter of these petitions being a question of public policy, they should be referred to Government for consideration. 22nd July, 1890.

No. 56.—Petition of David Gardinee. The petitioner states that he is the owner of a deferred-payment section at Waikaka; that previous to the passing of "The Selectors' Lands Eevaluation Act, 1889," being pressed by Government, he raised money and paid up all his instalments; that his neighbour, who was in arrears, has now got a large reduction in the price of his land under the provisions of above-quoted Act. Petitioner prays for relief. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom this petition was referred, have the honour to report that they have no recommendation to make. 22nd July, 1890.

No. 73.—Petition of Geobge Coleman. The petitioner states that in May, 1889, he, as agent for one Turner, lodged an application with the Land Board, Christchurch, for 32 acres of land in the Spaxton Survey District, and at the same time handed in a deposit of £12 165.; that during petitioner's absence in England the application became forfeited and the deposit was lodged to revenue. He prays that the money may be returned to Turner. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom this petition was referred, have the honour to report that they are of opinion that petitioner has no claim. 22nd July, 1890.

No. 104.—Petition of J. E. Wade and Others. The petitioners state that they are settlers and intending bidders for the small grazing-runs on the Station Peak. They pray that the upset rentals on these runs may be reduced to 9d. per acre. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they have no recommendation to make upon this petition. 31st July, 1890.

No. 93.—Petition of Petee Mueeay. (Fibst Eepoet.) The petitioner states that in the year 1882 he purchased Section 37, Block 111., Otago Peninsula District, believing that the boundary-lines thereof, as shown on the Crown grant and title-deeds, were correct; that on subsequent survey the section boundary has been found to be overlapped by the boundary of Sections Nos. 35, 36, 38, and 39 of the same block. He prays for compensation.