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No. 278.—Petition of Stanley Forbes Cough Williams, of Runciman, Farmer. Praying—(l) for compensation in respect of £500 capital loss on farm ; (2) that the Crown inform petitioner what action it proposes to take in respect of moneys owing by him to the Crown. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered this petition. In respect of the first part of the petitioner's prayer, the Committee has no recommendation to make. The amount referred to in the second part of the petitioner's prayer, £1,057 16s. 5d., has now been written off in pursuance of section 3 (3) of the Public Revenues Act, 1926, and the Commissioner of Crown Lands for the District has been requested by the Lands Department to so inform the petitioner. In respect of this part of petitioner's prayer also, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 9th February, 1933.

Avon and Heathcote Estuary Conservancy Bill. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered the Avon and Heathcote Estuary Conservancy Bill, and that, so far as the Bill affects the rights and prerogatives of the Crown, the Committee has no objection to make. The Committee, however, concurs in the opinion expressed in the report of the Local Bills Committee that, in view of the proposed inquiry by the Government into the possibility of reducing the number of existing local authorities, it is inopportune at the present time to create a new local authority. The Committee, therefore, recommends that the Bill be not allowed to proceed this session. 9th February, 1933.

Christchurch City Reserves Amendment Bill. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered the Christchurch City Reserves Amendment Bill, and recommends that, so far as the Bill affects the rights and prerogatives of the Crown or a public reserve, it be allowed to proceed without amendment. 24th February, 1933.

Reserves and other Lands Disposal Bill (No. 2). I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered the Reserves and other Lands Disposal Bill (No. 2), and recommends that it be allowed to proceed without amendment. 2nd March, 1933.

Local Legislation Bill. 1 have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered the Local Legislation Bill, and recommends that, so far as it affects any Public Reserve, the Bill be allowed to proceed without amendment. 7th March, 1933.

No. 233. —Petition of Frederick Conrad Yule, of Featherston, liotelkeeper. Praying for the refund of a deposit of £231 paid to purchase land at Tarawera, or other relief. 1 have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered this petition, and has no recommendation to make. Bth March, 1933.

No. 307.—Petition of Harry Cecil Wheeler, of Muriwai Beach, near Kaipara, Farmer. Praying for £2,710 compensation for loss alleged to be due to erroneous valuation of his land by the valuer for the State Advances Office. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered this petition, and has no recommendation to make. Bth March, 1933. , J. A. Macpherson, Chairman.

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