L—s.

1892. NEW ZEALAND.

Presented to the House of Beprescntatives, and ordered to be printed.

ORDERS OP REFERENCE. Extracts from the Journals of the House of Representatives. Tuesday, the sth Day op July, 1892. Ordered, " That a Committee be appointed, consisting o! ten members, to consider all Bills and petitions thatmay be introduced into this House affecting the waste lands of the Crown, and to report generally on the principles and provisions which they contain, with power to confer and sit together with any similar Committee which may be appointed by the Legislative Council, and agree to a joint or separate report; the Committee to have power to call for persons, papers, and records ; three to be a quorum : the Committee to consist of the Hon. Mr. Rolleston Mr Duncan, Mr. VV. C. Smith, Mr. Rhodes, Mr. Hogg, Mr. Meredith, Mr. C. H. Mills, Mr. R. Thompson, Mr. and the mover." —(Hon. Mr. J. McKenzie.)

Thursday, the 7th Day op July, 1892. Ordered, " That the names of Mr. T. Mackenzie and Mr. Lake be added to the Waste Lands Committee." (Hon. Mr. J. McKenzie.) ' ■

No. 25. —Petition of Frederick Eason and 19 Others. Petitioners pray that a road may be constructed to their properties at Catlin's, Glenoamaru,. Otago. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 15th July, 1892.

No. 91.—Petition of W. J. Robson and 32 Others. Petitioners state that there is no road available for wheeled traffic from Wangapeka to Rolling River, and pray that a grant may he made to construct same. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 15th July, 1892.

No. 101.—Petition of William Grady. Petitioner states that a bridge constructed over the Waitahu River, at a place known as "Lefthand Branch," causes said river to flow through his farm lands in times of flood, destroying crops,, and washing away banks. He prays relief. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they have no recommendation to make in reference to this petition. 15th July, 1892.

No. 95.—Petition of Robert Wolfe and 54 Others. Petitioners state that a bridge constructed over the Waitahu River, Reef ton Riding, County of Inangahua, has caused the said river to be diverted from its natural course and flow on to the lands of one William Grady, to the great detriment of the said William Grady's lands. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they have no recommendation to make in reference to this petition. 15th July, 1892. .. :

The Auckland University College Land Exchange Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the above Bill, have the honour to report that they duly considered the same, and they recommend that the Bill be allowed to proceed. The Bill has been passed without amendment, and a copy is attached hereto. 26th July, 1892.

No. 96.—Petition of James Parlane and 6 Others. Petitioners state that their lands in the vicinity of Lake Ellesmere, Canterbury, lie below the level of the waters of the lake, and consequently are incapable of being drained except at great cost. They purchased the said lands on the assurance that they could be easily drained, which is not the' case. They pray that an inquiry be made into the facts, with a view of reporting upon the best means of effecting a drainage of the said lands, or, failing a system of drainage being devised, that compensation be paid them. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 15th July, 1892. I—l. 5.

REPORTS OF WASTE LANDS COMMITTEE. (Mr. R. THOMPSON, CHAIRMAN.)