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No. 241.— Petition of P. Rock and 2 -Others, of Paeroa. Praying for compensation for money, time, and labour put into their various holdings, which are affected by " bush sickness." I have the honour to report that, as the various areas covered by the petition are at present the subject-matter of investigation under the Deteriorated Lands Act, and, further, as a question of policy is involved, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 6th September, 1926.

No. 245.—Petition of J. H. Wilson, of Auckland. Praying for compensation for loss on the sale of his land to two returned soldiers. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 6th September, 1926. —

Swamp Drainage Amendment Bill. The Lands Committee, to which was referred the above-mentioned Bill, has the honour to report that the said Bill has been carefully considered, and the Committee recommends that it be allowed to proceed without amendment. 6th September, 1926. ——

Forests Amendment Bill. The Lands Committee, to which was referred the above-mentioned Bill, has the honour to report that the said Bill has been carefully considered, and the Committee recommends that it be allowed to proceed, with the amendments shown on the copy attached. 7th September, 1926.

No. 67. —Petition of Flora M. Commins, of Mareretu, North Auckland. Praying for compensation for land taken by the Public Works Department for railway purposes. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 7th September, 1926. —

No. 266.—Petition of F. E. Fauchelle, of Riwaka, Nelson. Praying for compensation for loss through repudiation of alleged contract for purchase of Crown land. I have the honour to report that the Committee recommends that the sale of the land in question should be postponed until further and full inquiry be made into the matter, with a view to the land being allotted to the petitioner. 7th September, 1926.

Reserves and other Lands Disposal Bill (Further Amendments proposed by His Excellency the Governor-General). I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered the above-mentioned proposed amendments, and recommends that the proposed new clause be allowed to proceed without amendment. Bth September, 1926.

Westland and Nelson Coalfields Administration Amendment Bill. The Lands Committee, to which was referred the above-mentioned Bill, has the honour to report that the said Bill has been carefully considered, and the Committee recommends that it be allowed to proceed without amendment. 9th September, 1926.

Final Report. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee, consisting of ten members, has held seventeen meetings during the session, and that the average attendance of members at these meetings has been eight members per meeting. Including twelve held over from last session, the Committee has had referred to it twenty-eight petitions. Twenty-three of these were considered and reported on, and five are held over until next session. Twenty-one Bills and one parliamentary paper were referred to the Committee, and all of these were considered and reported upon. 9th September, 1926.

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