LANDS COMMITTEE (REPORTS OF THE). (Hon. Mr. T DUNCAN, Chairman.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1910 Session I, I-05

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1910. NEW ZEALAND

LANDS COMMITTEE (REPORTS OF THE). (Hon. Mr. T DUNCAN, Chairman.

Presented to the House of Bepresentatives, and ordered to be printed

ORDERS OF REFERENCE. Extracts from the Journals of the House of Representatives. Thursday, the 7th Day of July, 1910. Ordered, "That a Committee be appointed, consisting of ten members, to whom shall stand referred after the first reading all Bills affecting or in any way relating to the lands of the Crown, or educational or other public reserves; the Committee to have power to make such amendments therein as they think proper, and to report generally when necessary upon the principles and provisions of the Bill; the Committee to have power to call for persons, papers, and records ; three to be a quorum : the Committee to consist of Mr. Anderson Hon. Mr. T Duncan. Mr. Ell, Mr. Forbes, Mr. Guthrie, Mr Hogg, Mr. Lang, Mr. Lawry Mr. Witty, and the mover " --(Right Hon. Sir J G. Ward. r Thursday, the 4th Day of August, 1910. Ordered, " That the Native Townships Bill, having been read a first time this day, stands referred to the Lands Committee." Thursday, the 11th Day of August, 1910. Ordered, '' That all petitions not finally dealt with during Session 11, 1909, stand referred to the same Committees they were referred to during the said session."—(Right Hon. Sir J G. Ward.) Friday, the 12th Day of August, 1910. Ordered, "The Taieri Land Drainage Bill, having been read a first time this day, stands referred to the Lands Committee." —(Right Hon. Sir J G. Ward.) Friday, the 12th Day of August,- 1910. Ordered, " That the petition of Kingi and others, together with the report of the Native Affairs Committee thereon, be referred to the Lands Committee." —(Mr. Jennings.) The Wanganui Harbour Board Vesting Bill, the Templeton Domain Alteration of Boundaries Bill, and the Anderson's Bay Domain Bill, having been read a first time in the House of Representatives, stand referred to the Lands Committee. Wednesday, the 17th Day of August, 1910. Ordered, That the Kauri-gum Industry Bill be referred to the Lands Committee."—(Hon. Mr. Millar.) Friday, the 19th Day of August, 1910. Ordered, " That the Rangitaiki Land Drainage Bill be referred to the Lands Committee."—(Right Hon. Sir J G. Ward.) Friday, the 2nd Day of September, 1910. The Invercargill Tramway Buildings and Works Site Bill, the Thames Harbour Board Empowering Bill, the Waitara Harbcur Board and Borough Empowering Bill, the Napier Recreation-ground and the Sir Donald McLean Memorial Park Bill, the Napier Municipal Theatre and Buildings Bill, and the Wyndham Show-ground Reserve Bill, having been read a first time in the House of Representatives, stand referred to the Lands Committee. Tuesday, the 6th Day of September, 1910. The Bill intituled The New Zealand Portland Cement Company (Limited) Reclamation and Empowering Act " having been read a second time on the 6th day of September, stands referred to the Lands Committee for report. Wednesday, the 7th Day of September, 1910. The. Land Laws Amendment Bill, having been read a first time in the House of Representatives on Wednesday the 7th day of September, 1910, stands referred to the Lands Committee for report. Thursday, the Bth Day of September, 1910. The Education Reserves Amendment Bill, having been read a first time in the House of Representatives, stands referred to the Lands Committee.

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Friday, the 9th Day of September, 1910. The Bills intituled ' The Waikouaiti County Council Reserve Vesting- Act " and " The Otago Harbour Board Lands Vesting Act," having been read- a first time in the House of Representatives on the 9th day of September, 1910, stand referred to the Lands Committee for report. Tuesday, the 13th Day of September, 1910. The Bill intituled " The Taranaki Scholarships Endowment Act," having been read a first time in the House of Representatives on the 13th day of September, 1910, stands referred to the Lands Committee for report. Wednesday, the 14th Day of September, 1910. The Bill intituled " The Lyttelton Harbour Board Reclamation and Empowering Act," having been read a first time in the House of Representatives on the 14th day of September, stands referred to the Lands Committee for report. Tuesday, the 20th Day of September, 1910. Ordered, " That Papers Nos. 127, 128, 130, and 227, relative to the Canterbury Pastoral Runs Commission, be referred to the Lands Committee." —(Right Hon. Sir J G. Ward. Wednesday, the 21st Day of September, 1910. The Bill intituled " The Whangarei Abattoir Site Repeal Act," having been read a first time in the House of Representatives on the 21st day of September, 1910, stands referred to the Lands Committee for report. Tuesday, the 27th Day of September, 1910. Ordered, "That the petition of E. C. Banks and others be referred direct to the Lands Committee."— (Mr. Jennings.) Thursday, the 6th Day of October, 1910. The Bills intituled "The New Plymouth Racecourse Reserve Leasing Act" and "The Waiapu County Council (Tokomaru Harbour) Empowering Act," having been read a first time in the House of Eepresentatives on the 6th day of October, 1910, stand referred to the Lands Committee for report. Wednesday, the 26th Day of October, 1910. Ordered, "That the petition of the Waipara County Council be referred to the Lands Committee."—(Mr. Craigie.) The Bill intituled "The Scenery-preservation Amendment Act," having been read a first time in the House of Representatives on the 26th day of October, 1910, stands referred to the Lands Committee for report. Wednesday, the 9th Day of November, 1910. Ordered, "That the petition of T. Moriarty be referred direct to the Lands Committee." —(Mr. Colvin.) Friday, the 11th Day of November, 1910. The Fruit-farms Settlement Bill, having been read a first time in the House of Representatives, stands referred to the Lands Committee. Thursday, the 17th Day of November, 1910. Ordered,. " That the petition of L. Garden and others be referred to the Lands Committee."—(Mr. J. C. Thomson.) Monday, the 28th Day of November, 1910. The Bill intituled "The Reserves and other Lands Disposal and Public Bodies Empowering Act," having been read a first time in the House of Representatives on the 28th day of November, 1910, stands referred to the Lands Committee for report.

INDEX.

No. Petition, Bill, or Paper. Page, i No. Pagf Petition, Bill, or Paper. Page. 514 87 14 45 618 88 Anderson's. Bay Domain^Bill m Banks, E. C, and 66 others Berry, W., and 115 others Blair, James W., and 159 others Brodie, John R. Bussell, W S., and 7 others Butcher, B., and 49 others 5 7 5 6 4 9 5 I 747 157 15 Fruit-farm Settlements Bill Garden, Louis, and 89 others .. Gordon-Jones, J., and 25 others Gow, James, and 171 others 9 9 -I 6 Invercargill Tramway Buildings and Works Site Bill 4 89 Cameron, J., and 29 others Canterbury Pastoral Runs (Papers Nos. 127, 128, 130, and 227) Corston, Harriette J. Cox, J. W M., and 27 others Curtis, Robert R. 5 6 7 5 6 157 Jones, J. Gordon, and 25 others 4 4,26 90 433 218 72 Kauri-gum Industry Amendment Bill Kauri Timber Company Kingi and 28 others 8 4 8 91 Dodson, J., and 44 others 5 Land Laws Amendment Bill Lyttelton Harbour Board Reclamation and Empowering Bill 6 6 Education Reserves Amendment Bill i Evans, 0. T., and 8 others 6 5 230 94 ! 631 li 726 ! i 86/09 Maokie, Robert Matthews, H. T., and 49 others Moriarty, Timothy Moriarty, Timothy Munn, W., and 11 others Final Report Fitzgibbon, M., and 48 others 10 5 3 5 8 9 5 93 ,71/09! 130/10 j Forrest and Clarke 4 :j

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Index— continued.

BEPOBTS. No. 230.—Petition of Robert Mackib, of Te Aroha. Petitioner prays for compensation for loss of land forfeited for non-payment of rent. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 18th August, 1910.

No. 597 (1909).—Petition of M. C Robison and 17 Others, of Waitoa, Auckland. Petitioners pray that the Piako County Council be prevented from discharging water into the Waitoa River. 1 am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 18th August, 1910.

Native Townships Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Native Townships Bill, has the honour to report the same without any amendment, and recommends that it be referred to the Native Affairs Committee. 18th August, 1910.

Wanganui Harbour Board Vesting Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Wanganui Harbour Board Vesting Bill, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed as amended by the Local Bills Committee. 18th August, 1910.

No. Petition; Biil, or Paper. Page. No. Petition; Bill, or Paper. Page. J j_ 420 95 96 617 68 37f. McGowan, S., and 23 others McGowan, W., and 51 others Mcintosh, R., and 38 others McKay, Hugh McQuoid, D. R., and 399 others McTaggart, J., and 109 others 7 5 5 7 7 5 334 Stephens, A., and 11 others Special Report (Chairman) Special Report (Clerk) 9 10 10 Napier Municipal Theatre and Buildings Bill Napier Recreation-ground and the Sir Donald McLean Memorial Park Bill Native Townships Bill Now Plymouth Recreation and Racecourse Reserve Leasing Amendment Bill New Zealand Portland Cement Company (Limited) Reclamation and Empowering Bill 5 5 3 8 4 100 Taieri Land Drainage Bill Taranaki Scholarships Endowment Bill Taylor, .1 T., and 8 others Templeton Domain Alteration of Boundaries Bill Thames Harbour Board Empowering Bill 6 8 5 4 5 442 Voght, Harry 7 97 Otago_Harbour Board Lands Vesting Bill.. Pepper, E., and 29 others 6 5 101 636 Waiapu County Council (Tokomaru Harbour) Empowering Bill Waikouaiti County Council Reserve Vesting Bill Waipara County Bill Waitara Harbour Board and Borough Empowering Bih Waller, J., and 49 others Wallis, A. R., and 88 others Wanganui Harbour Board Vesting Bill Whangarei Abattoir-site Repeal Bill White, Thomas, jun., and 5 others White, W., and 21 others Wick, H. G, and another Wordsworth, W., and 65 others Wright, G. H., and 21 Others Wyndham Show-ground Reserve Bill 8 5 8 5 \ 5 9 3 6 8 5 8 7 5 4 104 | 417 98 597/09 Rangitaiki Land-drainage Bill Rathie, J., and 164 others Reserves and other Lands Disposal and j Public Bodies Enabling Bill Reynolds, F G., and 12 others Rhodes, F. S., and 41 others Robison, M. G, and 17 others . . 4 7 9 7 5 3 443 102 183 371 103 99 Scenery Preservation Amendment Bill Smith, H., and 12 others 9 5 104 Youngman, J. R., and 38 others 5

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Templeton Domain Alteration of Boundaries Bill: The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Templeton Domain Alteration of Boundaries Bill, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed as amended by the Local Bills Committee. 18th August, 1910.

Nos. 571 (1909) and 330 (1910). —Petitions of Messrs. Forrest and Clarke, of Paeroa. Petitioners pray that they may have permission to work, and for relief in connection with, timber on the Te Mata watershed, Thames County I have the honour to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petitions should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 25th August, 1910

No. 45.—Petition of John R. Buodie, of Rangitata, Canterbury Petitioner prays that effect be given to the report of the Lands Committee on the 10th November, 1907 I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration, with a recommendation that the petitioner be granted the sum of £250 as an act of grace. 25th August, 1910

No. 218.—Petition of the Kauri Timber Company (Limited), of Auckland. Petitioner prays for an equitable title to all timber-trees on the Waiwhakaurunga River watershed. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that the petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration, conditional upon the Kauri Timber Company, in the event of the Government giving effect to their prayer, paying the whole of the taxation due, from the original date of the Kauri Timber Company's lease. The minutes of evidence are attached hereto (see 1.-sa) 25th August, 1910.

Rangitaiki Land Drainage Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Rangitaiki Land Drainage Bill, after carefully considering the Bill, has the honour to report the same without amendment. 25th August, 1910.

No. 157. —Petition of J Gordon-Jones and 25 Others, of Taheke, Auckland. Petitioners pray for reinstatement as Crown tenants. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for inquiry 2nd September, 1910

New Zealand Portland Cement Company (Limited) Reclamation and Empowering Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the New Zealand Portland Cement Company (Limited) Reclamation and Empowering Bill, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and recommends it be allowed to proceed without amendment. Bth September, 1910.

Inveroargill Tramway Buildings and Works Site Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Invercargill Tramway Buildings and Works Site Bill, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed as amended by the Local Bills Committee. Bth September, 1910

Wyndham Show-gbound Reserve Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Wyndham Show-ground Reserve Bill, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed as amended by the Local Bills Committee. Bth September, 1910

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Anderson's Bay Domain Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Anderson s Bay Domain Bill, has the honour tv report the same without amendment. Bth September, 1910.

No. 86 (1909).—Petition of W Munn and 11 Others, of West Oxford (and 19 similar Petitions as per Schedule attached). Petitioners pray for payment of " thirds ' from Crown land conveyed to the Midland Railway Company, or, in the alternative, for a full investigation of the claims of the local Road Boards by a Royal Commission or a Committee of the House of Representatives, with power to finally determine the rights involved. I am directed to report that the Committee considers that the petitioners have no claim to any portion of the Land Fund, but under the special circumstances of the case would recommend that the Government have an inquiry made into the circumstances of the various local bodies in the district covered by the petitions, with a view of making a reasonable grant for roading the back portion of their districts. The minutes of evidence are attached hereto (see I.—sb), 13th September, 1910.

Schedule.

1909. No. 87.—Berry, W., and 115 others. „ 88.—Butcher, E., and 49,' others. ~ 89. —Cameron, J., and 29 others. „ 90.—Cox, J. W M., and 27 others. ~ 91. —Dodson, J., and 44 others. 2 „ 92.—Evans, 0. T., and B*others. ~ 93.—Fitzgibbon, M., and*4B others. „ 94.—Mathews,'_H. T., and 49 others. „ 95.—McGowan,'5W., and,'sl others. „ 96. —Mcintosh, R., and 38 others.

1900. ■No. 97. —Pepper, E., and 29 others. „ 98.—Rhodes, F. S., and 41 others. „ 99.—Smith, H., and 12 others. „ 100.—Taylor, J. T., and 8 others. „ 101.—Waller, J., and 49 others. „ 102.—White, W., and 21 others. „ 103.—Wright, G. H., and 21 others. ~ 104.—Youngman, J. R., and 38 others. „ 375. —MoTaggart, J., and .109 others.

Napier Municipal Theatre and Buildings Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Napier Municipal Theatre and Buildings Bill, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed as amended by the Local Bills Committee. 15th September, 1910.

Napier Recreation-ground and the Sir Donald McLean Memorial Park Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Napier Recreation-ground and the Sir Donald McLean Memorial Park Bill, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed as amended by the Local Bills Committee. 15th September, 1910.

Waikouaiti County Council Reserve Vesting Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Waikouaiti County Council Reserve Vesting Bill, has the honour to report that it has considered the same, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed as amended by the Local Bills Committee. 15th September, 1910.

Waitara Harbour Board and Borough Empowering Bill The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Waitara Harbour Board and Borough Empowering Bill, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed as amended by the Local Bills Committee. 15th September, 1910.

Thames Harbour Board Empowering Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Thames Harbour Board Empowering Bill, has the honour to report the same without any amendment. 15th September, 1910.

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Education Reserves Amendment Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Education Reserves Amendment Bill, has the honour to report the same without amendment. 15th September, 1910.

Otago Harbour Board Lands Vesting Bill The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Otago Harbour Board Lands Vesting 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 copy of the Bill attached hereto. 28th September, 1910.

Whangarei Abattoir-site Repeal Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Whangarei Abattoir-site Repeal Bill, has the honour to report the Bill without amendment. Ith October, 1910

Lyttei.ton Harbour Board Reclamation and Empowering Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Lyttelton Harbour Board Reclamation and Empowering Bill, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed as amended by the Local Bills Committee. 4th October, 1910

No 433.—Petition of Robert R. Curtis, of Feilding. Petitioner prays for a refund of £15 10s, rent paid on an abandoned section of land in Takahue I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 19th October, 1910.

Land Laws Amendment Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Land Laws Amendment 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 copy attached hereto. (See 1.-50.) 19th October, 1910.

Papers Nos 127 128, 130, and 227, relative to the Canterbury Pastoral Runs Commission (see C-.-12, C.-12A, C.-12b, C.-12c). The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the above-mentioned papers, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and recommends that the Statutory Commissioners' report be adopted with regard to the runs inspected and reported on, with the exception of Double Hill and Glynnwye Runs, and that further investigation be held with regard to these two runs, with a view of ascertaining if it is practicable to reduce the areas. 19th October, 1910.

Nos. 14 and 15.—Petitions of James W Blair and 159 Others, and James Gow and 171 Others, of Taieri. Petitioners pray that the present Taieri Drainage District should be abolished, and that a new district and Board should be constituted to deal with the lands on the western side of the Taieri River . . , , ... . , 1 am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of the petitions has been dealt with in the Taieri Land-drainage Bill, the Committee has no recommendation to make. The minutes of evidence taken on the Bill and petitions are attached hereto. 20th October, 1910.

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 with the amendments as shown on the copy attached hereto. 20th October, 1910.

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No. 68. —Petition of D. R. McQuoid and 399 Others, of Coromandel. Petitioners pray for amendment of the Land Act, 1908, in respect of leasing lands in the Hauraki Mining District. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. Evidence and documents are attached hereto (see I.— sd). 26th October, 1910.

No. 417.—Petition of F. G. Reynolds and 12 Others, of Waiorongomai, Auckland Petitioners pray that the tenants of the Thames High School endowments at Waiorongomai may have their leases taken over by the Government. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 26th October, 1910.

Nos. 4 and 26. —Petitions of Harrietts Corston, of Auckland. Petitioner prays for a grant of land, or compensation in lieu thereof. 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 recommendation that the petitioner be granted a compassionate allowance of .£2O. 26th October, 1910.

No. 420. —Petition of S. McGowan and 23 Others, of Raglan County, Auckland. Petitioners pray for remission of rent as lessees of Te Akau B Block, Raglan County. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 26th October, 1910.

No. 442. —Petition of Harry Voght, of Omata, New Plymouth. Petitioner prays that lie be granted compensation for loss sustained through being unable to obtain possession of a section of land at Huntly I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 26th October, 1910.

No. 514.—Petition of E. C. Banks and 66 Others, settlers of Matamata County Petitioners pray that they be granted the right of purchasing the freehold. I am directed to report that this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 26th October, 1910.

No. 371.—Petition of W. and 65 Others, of Te Kopuru. Petitioners pray that the reservation on Sections 24 and 127, Te Kopuru, be not lifted until the sections are drained and the lower depths of kauri-gum are worked. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 26th-October, 1910.

No. 617.—Petition of Hugh McKay, of Stratford. Petitioner prays for return of deposit paid on a flax reserve, Hauraki Swamp. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government. 26th October, 1910.

No. 104.— Petition of J Rathie and 164 Others, of Clive. Petitioners pray that the diversion of the Tutaekuri River be not allowed. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 26th October, 1910.

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Taranaki Scholarships Endowment Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Taranaki Scholarships 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 as shown on the copy attached hereto. 26th October, 1910.

New Plymouth Recreation and Racecourse Reserve Leasing Amendment Bill The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the New Plymouth Recreation and Racecourse Reserve Leasing Amendment Bill, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed as amended by the Local Bills Committee. 26th October, 1910.

Waiapu County Council (Tokomaru Harbour) Empowering Bill The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the above-mentioned Bill, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed as amended by the Local Bills Committee. 26th October, 1910

Kauri-gum Industry Amendment Bill. The Lands Committee, to wliom was referred the Kauri-gum Industry Amendment Bill, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed with the amendments as shown on the copy attached hereto. 26th October, 1910.

No. 631. —Petition of Timothy Moriarty (No. 1), of Greymouth. Petitioner prays for redress in connection with his section of land at Stillwater. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 2nd November, 1910.

No. 443.—Petition of Thomas White, jun., and 5 Others, Tenants of Kinlock Estate, Te Oka. Petitioners pray for an inquiry into the position of the tenants of the Kinlock Estate who have exchanged the lease in perpetuity for the renewable lease. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government with a view that the petitioners be supplied with the information asked for in the petition. 2nd November, 1910.

No. 596. —Petition of Waipara County Council, Canterbury Petitioner prays for the restoration to the Waipara County Council of land taken by the Government for a post-office site. 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 recommendation that a clause to meet the case be inserted in the usual " washing-up " Bill to be brought forward in Parliament this session. 2nd November, 1910.

No. 72.—Petition of Kingi and 28 Others, of Whangarei. Petitioners pray for an amendment in the Whangarei Harbour Act, 1907, and protest against the lands described in the Second Schedule thereto being vested in the WTiangarei Harbour Board. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration 2nd November, 1910.

No. 183.—Petition of H. C. Wick and Another, of Auckland. Petitioners pray for refund of deposit forfeited in connection with certain allotments in Paeroa Township. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 2nd November 1910.

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No. 334.—Petition of A. Stephens and 11 Others, of Westport. Petitioners pray for relief in connection with the tenure of certain lands in the Town of Westport. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. Bth November, 1910.

No. 618.—Petition of W S. Bussell and 7 Others, of Kaikoura, Canterbury Petitionebs pray for an amendment of the Public Reserves Act. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration Bth November, 1910.

Scenery Preservation Amendment Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Scenery Preservation Amendment Bill, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and recommends that it be allowed to pi'oceed with the amendments as shown on the copy of the Bill attached hereto. Bth November, 1910.

No. 726. —Petition of Timothy Moriarty (No. 2), of Stillwater, Greymouth. Petitioner prays that he be allowed to explain before the House his claim for redress in connection with his section of land at Stillwater I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 25th November, 1910.

No. 747.—Petition of Louis Garden and 89 Others, of Pahia, Southland. Petitioners pray that lands near Pahia Railway-station, Southland Land District, be opened for selection I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 25th November, 1910.

Fruit-farms Settlement Bill The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the above-mentioned Bill, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed without amendment. 28th November, 1910.

Reserves and other Lands Disposal and Public Bodies Enabling Bill The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the above-mentioned Bill, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed with the amendments as shown on the copy attached hereto. 29th November, 1910.

No. 636. —Petition of A. R. Wallis and 88 Others, of Southland. Petitioners pray that the State Forest Regulations, 1886, may be interpreted, and that the areas in Southland held by H A. Massey may be investigated, and, if necessary the law be amended so that their validity may be decided by the Supreme Court. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the prayer of the petitioners to the Government for favourable consideration , and with the view of settling the question in dispute the Committee also recommends that a full inquiry be instituted into the legality or otherwise •of the sawmilling leases executed in the district. And, further, the Committee recommends that in future it is desirable for the Government to reserve areas of bush throughout the Dominion adjacent to close .settlements as timber reserves for the settlers, and as the timber is cut on these areas provision be made for replanting them. The minutes of evidence, correspondence, &c, are attached hereto. 29th November, 1910

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Special Report I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee desires to place on record its appreciation of the courtesy and tact manifested by the Chairman (Hon Mr T Duncan) in presiding over the deliberations of the Committee during the session. F W Lang, 29th November, 1910. Member of the Committee.

Special Report 1 am directed to report that the Lands Committee wishes to place on record its appreciation of the able manner in which Mr Collings, Clerk to the Committee, has carried out the duties devolving on him in connection with the work of trfe Committee, his work being performed with the utmost care and despatch. The Committee would recommend him for the favourable consideration of the Government in view of any permanent appointments being made of the Committee Clerks. 29th November, 1910.

Final Report I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has during the past session held 31 meetings, of which members attended on the average 267 The number of petitions referred to the Committee was 50, the number of papers 4, and the number of Bills 26, all of which have been reported to the House. 29th November, 1910.

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