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1.—5

No. 178. —Petition of Simon Welton Beowne, late of Little Barrier Island. Petitioner alleges that he made an agreement with the Native owners of land on Little Barrier Island to cut and remove timber therefrom, for which right he paid £200. He is now restrained from removing any timber, and therefore prays relief. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Waste Lands Committee, the petitioner has no claim against the colony. 26th September, 1893.

No. 337.—Petition of Paul Straka, of Puhoi. Petitioner states he has suffered pecuniary loss to the extent of £231 2s. through not being able to obtain his deeds for lands purchased by means of scrip ; that he has been compelled to pay for the survey of his land and has not received the usual allowance of land for performing such survey; that ho purchased land from a Maori chief, by name Te Hemara, of which he has never obtained possession. He prays relief. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 26th September, 1893.

No. 505.—Petition of A. W. Edwards and Others, of Waiorongomai, Thames. Petitioners are lessees of the Thames High School endowment, and state that their rents are excessive, and the terms of their leases not of sufficient duration to warrant improvements being made. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 26th September, 1893.

No. 472.—Petition of J. Vipond and Others, of Matakana. Petitionbes pray that the charges for the revaluation of their lands, held under the perpetual-lease system, may be reduced. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 26th September, 1893.

The Westland and Nelson Coalfields Administration Act 1877 Amendment Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Westland and Nelson Coalfields Administration Act 1877 Amendment Bill, have the honour to report that they have duly considered the same, and beg to recommend that the Bill be allowed to proceed, with the amendments thereto which are shown on the attached copy of the Bill. (For Petition and Appendices, vide Appendix 1.-5b.) 26th September, 1893. '

No. 550. —Petition of Leslie Sowebby and Others, Eatepayers, Normanby Town District. Petitioners pray that the Waihi Eecreation Eeserve may not be exchanged for other land by the Normanby Town Board, and that the Government will take steps to prevent such exchange. I am directed to report that the Waste Lands Committee is of opinion that the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 29th September, 1893. Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, not given; printing (1,250 copies), £5 sa.

Authority: Samuel Costall, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB93.

Price 6d.]