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J. Healey, J. Spencer, M. A. Muir, E. Miles, S. A. Vaney, J. O'Brien, W. G. Garrard, C. S. Yonge, J. D. Bentley, P. Bedford, M. Murphy, J. P. Ward, A. S. Ford, P. McKenna, T. McConnell, J. Murphy, M. Sullivan, B. Curtiss, B. Guthrie, and James Muskett.

Petitioners pray for grants of land for military services. I am directed to report that the Waste Lands Committee, to whom were referred the above petitions, is of opinion they should be referred to the Government for consideration. 23rd August, 1893.

The Cheviot Estate Disposition Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred "The Cheviot Estate Disposition Bill," have the honour to report that they have considered the same, and beg to recommend that it be allowed to proceed, with the amendments thereto which are shown in the attached copy of the Bill. 23rd August, 1893.

No. 398.—Petition of A. J. Thoep. Petitionee prays for redress on account of certain Native lands which he states he purchased and which have never been conveyed to him. I am directed to report that the Waste Lands Committee is of opinion this petition should be referred to the Native Affairs Committee for consideration. 23rd August, 1893.

Papeb No. 202.—" Description of Land pboposed to be withdrawn prom State Forests." The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the above paper, having duly considered the same, have the honour to report that the Committee has no objection to the land being withdrawn. 29th August, 1893.

The Lyttelton Haeboub Land Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Lyttelton Harbour Board Land Bill, have the honour to report that they have considered the same, and beg to recommend that the Bill be not allowed to proceed. 31st August, 1893.

The Auckland Domain Vesting Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Auckland Domain Vesting Bill, have the honour to report that they have considered the same, and beg to recommend that it be allowed to proceed, with the amendments thereto which are shown in the attached copy of the Bill. 31st August, 1893.

No. 38.' —Petition of John Bain and 13 Others, of Ashwick Flat, Canterbury. Petitionees are settlers at Ashwick Plat, and their lands being of very poor quality, they pray that they may have their holdings reclassed and placed as " second-class " lands. I am directed to report that the Waste Lands Committee is of opinion that an amendment of the law is necessary enabling the Land Board, with the approval of the Minister, to remit to bond fide occupiers such conditions of improvement as prove, on experience, not to be suitable. Should legislation be impossible this session, the Land Board should be requested to abstain from enforcing such conditions in this particular case till a further opportunity of legislation has been afforded. The petition is therefore referred to the Government for favourable consideration. Ist September, 1893.

No. 166. —Petition of Henby Baigent and 2 Others. Petitioners allege that through an incorrect survey a portion of their land, situated at Pigeon Valley, Wakefield, Nelson, amounting to 27 acres, has been wrongly conveyed to one G. Eairhall. They pray that the value of the land may be refunded to them, together with interest and costs of survey, which they estimate at £120. I am directed to report that the Waste Lands Committee, having carefully considered this petition, is of opinion that the sum of £45 should be paid to petitioners in satisfaction of all claims. Ist September, 1893.

No. 256.—Petition of Bussell Bates, of Kai Iwi, Auckland. Petitioneb alleges he selected certain land at Kai Iwi, Auckland, at ss. per acre, and that the price was afterwards raised to 7s. 6d. per acre ; that he had to purchase at 7s. 6d. or lose the land and the value of the improvements he had made thereon. Petitioner, therefore, maintains that he is entitled to compensation, and prays relief. I am directed to report that the Waste Lands Committee has no recommendation to make in reference to this petition, as they are of opinion that the petitioner has no claim. Ist September, 1893.

No. 399.—Petition of the Waibaeapa Nobth County Council, Masterton. Petitionebs state that a difficulty exists in taking roads through Native lands, as the felling of bush and sowing of grass is sufficient to deem such lands " cultivated lands " within the meaning of " The Native Lands Court Act, 1886." They therefore pray for an amendment of the Act.

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