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1893. NEW ZEALAND.

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

ORDER OF REFERENCE. Extract from the Journals of the House of Bepresentatives. Wednesday, the 28th Day of June, 1893. Ordered, " That a Committee bo appointed, consisting of twelve members, to consider all Bills and petitions that may 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 Mr. Duncan, Mr. Hogg, Mr. Lake, Mr. Mackintosh, Mr. T. Mackenzie, Mr. Meredith, Mr. C. H. Mills, Mr. Rhodes, Hon. Mr. Rolleston, Mr. W. C. Smith, Mr. R. Thompson, and the mover." —(Hon. Mr. J. McKenzie.)

No. 656, 1892.—Petition of George Hurley, of Sydney, New South Wales. Petitioner lays claim to 300,000 acres in the Chatham Islands, which he alleges were purchased by one W. Brodie, in 1840, and conveyed to petitioner by the heirs and executors of the said W. Brodie. He prays consideration of his claim. I am directed by the Waste Lands Committee to report that, having considered this petition, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 7th July, 1893. .

No. 63.—Petition of Bridget Donnelly. Petitioner states that she was a free immigrant to New Zealand in the year 1864, and was therefore entitled, according to existing regulations at the time, to a grant of land, which, however, she did not then apply for. She now prays that a grant of land or other relief may be given her. I am directed by the Waste Lands Committee to report that, having considered this petition, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 7th July, 1893. . ■

No. 20.—Petition of S. Young and Others. Petitioners pray that roads may be constructed to their lands in Catlin's Eiver, Otago. I am directed by the Waste Lands Committee to report that this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 7th July, 1893.

No. 113.—Petition of the Whangahoa County Council. Petitioners pray that the county should be granted a share of the proceeds of the sale of timber taken off the Crown lands at Whangaroa, for the purpose of maintaining roads in proper order. I am directed to report that this Committee is of opinion this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 12th July, 1893.

No. 48.—Petition of T. and G. Harrison. Petitioners are lessees of grazing-runs in South Canterbury, and pray that " The Eating Act, 1882," may be so amended as to permit of their runs being rated for local purposes upon the same basis as private freehold lands are now valued. I am directed to report that this Committee is of opinion this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration, as the question raised is one involving policy. 12th July, 1893.

REPORTS OF WASTE LANDS COMMITTEE. (Me. B. THOMPSON, CHAIRMAN.)