1.—5.

5

No. 295. —Petition of Samuel Eobeetson and Others, of Malvern District. Petitioners pray for a grant of £1,000 for the purpose of constructing a bridge across the Kowai Eiver. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 24th August, 1900. , .

No. 358.—Petition of H. Stuart Masters and Others, Pukepoto, Ahipara, Wainui, and Te Whare. Petitioners, who are members of the New Zealand Farmers' Union, pray that grants to local bodies be made available for expenditure in the spring, and for certain alterations in " The Land Act, 1892." I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 4th September, 1900.

Nos. 357 and 359.—Petitions of Joseph C. Nathan and Others, and Henry McEwen and Others, of Manawatu District. Petitioners pray that the law may be so amended as to prevent their lands being specially classed for taxation, and that provision may be made for the valuation of the same at regular periodical intervals with other lands of the Manawatu district. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petitions be referred to the Government for consideration. 4th September, 1900.

No. 328.—Petition of James Ford and Others, of Takahue, Broadwood, and Outlying Districts. Petitioners pray for a grant of £1,000 for the purpose of widening the road between Takahue and Broadwood. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 4th September, 1900.

No. 43.—Petition of Walter A. White, of Hunua. Petitioner prays for compensation in connection with certain Crown lands at Hunua adjacent to his own freehold section, which he alleges he occupied with the knowledge and consent of the Lands Department. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 4th September, 1900.

No. 449.—Petition of G. W.- Draper, of Milton, late of Eatanui, Otago. Petitioner prays for consideration for money spent by him in making a road. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 11th September, 1900.

No. 325.—Petition of Eussell Bates, of Kai Iwi, Auckland. Petitioner prays for redress of alleged grievance in connection with his purchase of section of Crown land in Kai Iwi Block. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 11th September, 1900.

No. 306.—Petition of Frederick Wyatt, of Whareora, Auckland. Petitioner prays for a reduction in rent which he has to pay for a piece of land taken up by him in Auckland District, without the necessity for his surrendering and running the risk of competition. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 11th September, 1900.

No. 366. —Petition of T. C. Sainsbury and Others, of Takahue, Broadwood, and Waimamaku. Petitioners, who are members of the New Zealand Farmers' Union, pray that grants to local bodies be made available for expenditure in the spring, and for certain alterations in " The Land Act, 1892." I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 11th September, 1900.

No. 381.—Petition of James Dobbs and Others, of Hukerenui, Puhipuhi, and Surrounding Districts. Petitioners pray that the Puhipuhi State Forest may be made a reserve under the Kauri-gum Act. 1 am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 11th September, 1900.