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No. 416.—Petition of Feank C. Hilfoed and 86 Others. Petitionebs pray for a grant of £500 to assist them in constructing a road to connect the settlements of Maungaturoto, Mareretu, and Waikiekie with the Great North Eoad. I have the honour to report that, in the opinion of the Waste Lands Committee, this petition should be referred to Government. Ist October, 1895.

No. 360.—Petition of Stewaet Eichmond. Petitioneb states he obtained a small grazing run, No. 17a, Domet Survey District, at a yearly rental of £120 14s. 4d., and paid one half-year's rent thereon. Before the expiration of the first half year, he applied for leave to surrender the run, and was refused. Upon his failing to pay the next half-year's rent when due the run was declared forfeited, and, although he had made considerable improvements, no allowance was made him. He then offered to lease the adjoining run, together with 17a, at a rental of £170 per annum, and was refused. These runs were afterwards let for £80 per annum. He prays for relief. I have the honour to report that, in the opinion of the Waste Lands Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 2nd October, 1895.

Nos. 259 and 260.—Petitions of David E. O'Neill and Heney O'Neill. Petitionebs pray that their petitions, presented in 1894, praying for a reduction of rent of land leased by them from the Crown, be considered. I have the honour to report that, in the opinion of the Waste Lands Committee, these petitions should be referred to the Government. 2nd October, 1895.

No. 271. —Petition of James J. Elwin and 272 Others. Petitionebs, who are leaseholders of Native estates covered by "The West Coast Settlement Eeserves Act, 1892," and administered by the Public Trustee, state that the said administration has been and is unsatisfactory both to the tenants and Native owners, and has failed to fulfil the intention of the Legislature to assist settlement, legalize improper tenures, and improve the condition of the Natives. They consider the Land Board to be the proper body to administer the said estates, and pray for legislation so that these lands shall come under the common law of the colony, that the disadvantages may be removed under which they labour. I have the honour to report that it is the opinion of the Waste Lands Committee the subjectmatter of this petition refers to a question of public policy, and they therefore recommend that it be referred to the Government for consideration. 2nd October, 1895.

The Land Act Amendment Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the above Bill, have the honour to report that they have duly considered the same. They recommend that it be allowed to proceed, subject to the amendments as shown in the copy of the Bill attached. 21st October, 1895.

The Besebves Disposal and Exchange Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the above Bill, have the honour to report that they have duly considered the same. They recommend that it be allowed to proceed, subject to the amendments as shown in the copy of the Bill attached. 21st October, 1895.

The Pastoeal Tenants' Relief Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the above Bill, have the honour to report that they have duly considered the same. They recommend that it be allowed to proceed, subject to the amendments as shown in the copy of the Bill attached. 21st October, 1895.

No. 498.—Petition of Chaelotte M. McLaein. Petitioneb prays that her application for a loan under the Advances to Settlers Act be considered on its merits, and that the Lending Board be directed to decide thereon forthwith. I have the honour to report that the Waste Lands Committee have no recommendation to make. 22nd October, 1895.

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