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I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the Government cause full inquiry to be made into the case of Messrs. Southerby, Grandison, and the Agent of the Public Trustee in Auckland, before the Stipendiary Magistrate there, and that, if such inquiry shows that injustice has been done to Mr. Southerby, the Government should make such recompense to Mr. Southerby as they deem the justice of the case requires. Ist August, 1899.

No. 2.—Petition of Saeah Ann Bishop and 10 Others. Petitionees pray that certain sections, Waitara Survey District, at present a forest reserve, should not be altered from their present classification. The Waste Lands Committee, having considered the facts in connection with the petition of Sarah Ann Bishop and others, have the honour to report that they recommend that the reserve be not interfered with, and the petition be referred to the Government. v 4th August, 1899. , -.■■■

No. 58.—Petition of W. F. Pabsons and 81 Others. Petitionees pray that a sum of £500 should be granted for expenditure on the Waiotu ValleyHukerenui South Eoad. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that this petition be referred to the Government. 11th August, 1899.

No. 72.—Petition of John Hunt, of Waimate. Petitionee prays for the restoration of his lease in the Waimate district. I am directed to report that, as it appears that the Land Board forfeited petitioner's section in accordance with its statutory duty, the Committee have no recommendation to make. 15th August, 1899.

Eepoet on the Eoads Obstruction Prevention Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the above-mentioned Bill, have the honour to report that they have considered the same, and have made amendments therein, and they recommend that the Bill be allowed to proceed with amendments as shown on the attached copy. 22nd August, 1899.

No. 173.—Petition of E. Beenan and 18 Others, bf Te Aroha West. Petitionees pray that some of the rent'already paid by them under their leases should be placed to their credit for payment of future rents. I have the honour to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Local Bills Committee. 23rd August, 1899.

No. 130.—Petition of John Old, of Mahoenui, Auckland. Petitioner prays for relief, having been deprived of his frontage to the Awakino Eiver owing to error in the selection map of lands. I am directed to report that the Committee consider that a claim for consideration has been established, and that the extent of such consideration should be decided by arbitration, or such other way as the Government may decide, in the event of the Government being unable to secure the land to the petitioner. 24th August, 1899.

No. 108.—Petition of B; P. Blake and 80 Others, of Opaki District. Petitionees pray that the right may be extended to them to purchase their respective holdings. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make. 24th August, 1899.

No. 80.—Petition of John G. Hamilton, of Auckland. Petitionee prays that the sum of £350 may be granted for the purpose of making and improving the main road through Pollok Settlement. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government. sth September, 1899.

,No. 241. —Petition of A. Davidson and 191 Others, of Wairoa, Hawke's Bay. Petitionees pray that the main road between Napier and Wairoa be completed. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the above petition be referred to the Government. sth September, 1899. ___

No. 242. —Petition of C. A. Fitzboy and 390 Others, of Hastings, Hawke's Bay: Petitioners pray that the main road between Napier and Wairoa be completed. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the above petition be referred to the Government. sth September, 1899,