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Auckland Harbour Bridge Empowering Bill. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered the Auckland Harbour Bridge Empowering Bill, and recommends that, so far as it affects the rights and prerogatives of the Crown, the Bill be allowed to proceed, with the amendments shown in the copy of the Bill hereto attached. 27th August, 1931.

Wellington City Empowering Bill. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered the Wellington City Empowering Bill, and recommends that, so far as it affects the rights and prerogatives of the Crown, the Bill be allowed to proceed without amendment. 9th September, 1931.

No. 32.—Petition of Frances Maria Murray Tansey, of Ohakune. Praying for compensation or a compassionate grant in respect of the forfeiture of her farm at Ohakune. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered this petition, and has no recommendation to make. 9th September, 1931.

No. 210/30. —Petition of James Pagan, of Kohatu, Farmer. Praying for compensation or other relief in respect of discharged soldiers' settlement land formerly held by him at Golden Downs. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered this petition, and recommends that it be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 9th September, 1931.

No. 82 (Sess. 2). —Petition of Margaret Bedell, of Wellington, Widow. Praying for a compassionate allowance on account of loss to her late husband's estate through farming on Crown land in Murchison County. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered this petition, and recommends that it be referred to the Government for consideration. The Committee desires to recommend also that the Lands Department should take steps to see that applicants who are not practical farmers are given advice as to the actual capacity of the land before their applications are considered. 9th September, 1931.

Nos. 238/30 and 4/31 (Sess. 1). —Petition of William Edward Timmings, of Wellington. Praying that the transfers of certain land at the Hutt be cancelled. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered the above petition, and has no recommendation to make. 17th September, 1931.

No. 8. —Petition of Arthur Poland McKenna, of Taumarunui. Praying for the payment for work done on land now in possession of the Crown. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered the above petition, and recommends that it be referred to the Government for most favourable consideration. The Committee is of the opinion that a just and preferential claim should be given to the petitioner over and above other creditors, since the work effected by him is a permanent improvement to Crown property, and without this improvement in fencing the property would be of little value. 17th September, 1931.

No. 3 (Sess. 1). —Petition of Claude Amos and 8 others, all of Weraroa, Farmers. Praying that the valuations of their farms at Weraroa be reviewed and the rentals reduced. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered the above petition, and recommends that it be referred to the Government for consideration. The Committee desires to express the opinion that legislation should be introduced to enable relief to be given in this and similar cases. Bth October, 1931.

Auckland Harbour Board and other Local Bodies Empowering Bill. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered the Auckland Harbour Board and other Local Bodies Empowering Bill, and recommends that the Bill be allowed to proceed without amendment. 9th October, 1931.

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