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National Endowment Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the National Endowment Bill, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed, with the amendments shown on the attached copy. 16th October, 1907.

No. 772.—Petition of J. H. Nixon and Another, of Wanganui. Petitioners pray that such legislation be passed as will enable them to get a renewal of lease of a small grazing-run at Karioi. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration, with a view of the Government taking possession of the grassed portion for closer settlement, and that the executors of the late Edward McDonnell be granted a lease of the uncleared portion for a reasonable term so that they may mill the timber. The executors to pay royalties on the timber. Ist November, 1907.

No. 713. —Petition of George Gapes, of Karori, Wellington. Petitioner prays for compensation for the loss of road frontages to his land in Karori District. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. Ist November, 1907.

Taieri Land Drainage Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Taieri Land Drainage Bill, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed without amendment. 13th November, 1907.

Canterbury College Endowment Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Canterbury College Endowment Bill, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed without amendment. 13th November, 1907.

Ranoitatau Block Exchange Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Rangitatau Block Exchange Bill, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed without amendment. The Committee directs that the attention of the House be called to the fact that it deals with Native lands. 13th November, 1907.

No. 861.—Petition of Robert Johnstone, Blackstone Hill. Petitioner prays that the land held by himself and family may be grouped in one holding. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this is a case requiring relief, and it recommends that the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration, with a view of special legislation being passed on the matter. 15th November, 1907.

No. 677.—Petition of J. R. Brodie, of Rangitata. .Petitioner prays that he be reimbursed for loss incurred through being improperly notified to relinquish certain lands in the vicinity of the Rangitata River. I am directed to report that, in view of the legal opinion submitted by Mr. Martin, solicitor, to the Committee that the petitioner's tenancy was wrongly terminated, the Committee recommends that the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 15th November, 1907.

No. 849.—Petition of H. A. Hawke and 19 Others, Pukekawa. Petitioners pray that the swamp situated on either side of the Whangamarino Stream, in the Waikato County, Auckland District, be drained. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration, with a view of ascertaining whether the swamp could be drained and utilised as asked for by the petitioners. 15th November, 1907. 2—l. 5.

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