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I am directed to report that the Waste Lands Committee is of opinion that in any amendment of the law provision should be made for giving larger powers to the local bodies in respect of taking roads through Native lands, giving them (the local bodies), subject to appeal to the Waste Lands Boards, the power of deciding whether the right of taking roads should be exercised or not. The petition is referred to the Government for consideration. 6th September, 1893.

The Land foe Settlements Act Amendment Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Land for Settlements Act Amendment 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. 6th September, 1893.

The Land Act Amendment Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Land Act Amendment Bill, have the honour to report that they have considered the same and made no amendment therein, and they beg to recommend that the Bill be allowed to proceed. 6th September, 1893.

The Gimmebbuen Fobest Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Gimmerburn Forest Bill, have the honour to report that they have considered the same and made no amendment therein, and they beg to recommend that the Bill be allowed to proceed. 6th September, 1893.

The Kyngdon Land-gbant Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Kyngdon Land-grant Bill, have the honour to report that they have considered the same and made no amendment therein, and they beg to recommend that the Bill be allowed to proceed. 6th September, 1893.

No. 489.—Petition of John Mclvob. Petitionee prays for compensation for loss of office as a magazine-keeper. I am directed to report that the Waste Lands Committee is of opinion this petition should be referred to the Public Petitions Committee M to Z for consideration. Bth September, 1893.

No. 482.—Petition of John Lundon. Petitionee prays for a refund of moneys paid out and remuneration for services rendered in connection with a mission to Te Moananui, chief of Hauraki, Thames, in the year 1868. I am directed to report that the Waste Lands Committee is of opinion this petition should be referred to the Public Petitions Committee A to L for consideration. Bth September, 1893.

No. 418.—Petition of Joseph Bowman, of Kaiwaka, Auckland. Petitionee states that, owing to the incorrect survey of a line of fence, he was deprived of 2 acres of land, and, in addition, was called upon to pay costs in an action brought against him, amounting to £213 18s. Id: that he defended the said action by the advice of the Commissioner of Crown Lands, at Auckland. He now prays for relief. I am directed to report that the Waste Lands Committee is of opinion that the petitioner has received serious injury from the errors of the department, and recommends the case to the favourable consideration of the Government. Bth September, 1893.

No. 490.—Petition of Wi Mahubi te Matai Taua and 2 Others. Petitionebs pray that their lands at Palmerston North may not be taken from them, as decided by the Native Lands Court on the 14th January, 1890. 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. Bth September, 1893.

No. 439.—Petition of F. G. G. Haebex, of St. Bathan's, and 38 Others. Petitionbes pray that the subdivision and sale of the Highfield Bun, No. 225, Gimmerburn and Blackstone Districts, may be proceeded with, as originally notified, and that the Proclamation revoking such subdivision may be withdrawn. I am directed to report that the Waste Lands Committee has no recommendation to make in reference to this petition. 12th September, 1893.