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No. 224.—Petition of Craojdock Beauchamp, Anakina, Picton. Petitioner prays that he be allowed to surrender the lease of his farm at Anakina, Picton, and that he be granted a new lease under the provisions of the West Coast Settlement Act. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make upon this petition. 18th October, 1898.

No. 306. —Petition of James Nixon, Auckland, Petitioner prays that he be granted 100 acres of land to which his father was gazetted as entitled in January, 1864. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make upon this petition. 18th October, 1898.

No. 260. —Petition of Walter Gibson and Others. Petitioners pray that an investigation be held into the administration of the Crown lands in the County of Kaikoura. I am directed to report that the Committee, having carefully inquired into the allegations contained in this petition, and taken the evidence of Mr. Gibson ; Mr. James McKerrow, Chairman, Land Purchase Board ; Mr. McMillan, land valuer ; Mr. Meredith, M.H.E.; and Mr. C. W. Adams, Crown Lands Commissioner for Marlborough, are of opinion that there is no foundation for the allegations contained in this petition. The Committee also desire to place on record their regret that so many settlers should have been induced to sign such a petition without having first satisfied themselves as to the truth of the charges so recklessly made therein against the administration of the Lands Department in that district. (For evidence thereon vide Appendix 1.-5 c.) 20th October, 1898.

No. 332.—Petition of Joseph Evans and Others, Awanui. Petitioners pray Government will grant a sum of money to metal the Great North Eoad between Mongonui and Awanui. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that this petition be referred to Government for consideration. 25th October, 1898.

No. 324.—Petition of William Matheson, Ballance. Petitioner prays for a remission of his rent now due, owing to his grass and crop having been destroyed by fire last summer. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that this petition be referred to Government for consideration. 25th October, 1898.

No. 235.—Petition of M. Lynch and Others, Poho-nui-atane, Hunterville. Petitioners pray that a bridle-track may be formed between their settlement and Hunterville. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that this petition be referred to Government for consideration. 25th October, 1898.

No. 365. —Petition of A. McKinnon and Others, Ohinewai. Petitioners pray for a grant of £200 to open a road on the west side of the Waikato Eiver, between Huntly and Ngaruawahia. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that this petition be referred to Government for consideration. 25th October, 1898.

No. 317.—Petition of P. Livock and Others, Papamoa. Petitioners pray that the residence clause of the Act may not be enforced with regard to their holdings in the Special Settlements Nos. 1 and 2, Papamoa. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make upon this petition 25th October, 1898. ' ! '

No. 284.—Petition of Thomas Laweence, Woolston. Petitioner prays for compensation for improvements made by him on his leasehold farm at Puketohi prior to surrendering his lease. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make upon this petition 25th October, 1898. * *

No. 171.—Petition of C. E. Moteo and Others. Petitioners pray that a bridge may be constructed over the Wairoa Eiver. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that this petition be referred to Government for consideration. 3rd November, 1898. 2—l. 5.

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