LANDS COMMITTEE (REPORTS OF THE). (Mr. E. NEWMAN, Chairman.)

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1917 Session I, I-05

1.—5

1917. NEW ZEALAND.

LANDS COMMITTEE (REPORTS OF THE). (Mr. E. NEWMAN, Chairman.)

Presented, to the House of Representatives, and ordered, to be printed.

ORDER OF REFERENCE. Extract from the Journals of the House of Representatives. Friday, tiiio 20th Day o. July, 1917. Ordered, " That Standing Ordor No. 219 bo suspended, and that a Select Committee be appointed, consisting of fifteen members, to whom shall stand referred, after the first reading, all Bills affecting or in any way relating to 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 tho principles and provisions of the Bill; tho Committee to have power to call for persons, papers, and. records ; three to lie a quorum : the Committee to consist of Mr. Anderson, Mr. Anstey, the Hon. Mr. Buddo, Captain Coates, Mr. Forbes, Mr. Guthrie, Mr. Jennings, Mr. E. Newman, Mr. Nosworthy, the Hon. R. H. Rhodes, Mr. T. W. Rhodes, Mr. R. W. Smith, Mr. Statham, Mr. Witty, and the mover." —(Right Hon. Mr. Massey.)

INDEX.

I—l. 5.

i No. Petition or BUI. Page. No. Petitioner Bill. Page. ! 257 201 394 Bell, Thomas Bendall, John Bioknell, J.jT. <i Campion, James Catterall, Oeorge, and others Chipman, C. H. Colvin, James, and others 3 5 4 .. ! Nelson Harbour Board Empowering Bill.. 4 417 Otago Expansion League 5 437 233 245 152/16 4 5 4 2 Paper 280, Otautau Timber Company .. 3 384 Quartcrman, W., and others 0 Day's Bay Sanitation and Water-supply Bill Discharged Soldiers Settlement Amendment Bill Dunedin Chamber of Commerce Dunedin Waterworks Extension Bill .. 2 I Reserves and other Lands Disposal and Public Bodies Empowering Bill 450 ! Rippon, Alfrod 6 4 6 417 5 4 108 Schmidt, ,I. H., and others 235 Smith, C. Phil, and others Special Report (re Chairman) Special Report (re Clerk) 92 Spurrcll, Esther Ann 291 Stevens, Charles 4 5 6 6 3 2 Final Report Foxton Harbour Board Amendment Bill. . 6 3 8 222 441 Hawko's Bay Rivers Amendment Bill .. Henry, Matthew Holdsworth, John Hunt, W. J. 4 2 3 6 Tauranga Harbour Amendment and Foroshoro Vosting Bill 146 Thomson and Fairer 3 2 5 3 48 TJrlich, Ivan, and Others Wairoa Harbour Board Endowment Bill. . Wanganui Harbour Board Vesting Bill .. Whakatane Harbour Amendment Bill .. Whangarci I [arbour Board Vesting Bill .. 197 Whitcombe, Oeorge .. 2 288 Land Laws Amendment Bill Leyland - O'Brien Timber Company (Limited ) 3 5 5 4 2 Napier Harbour Board Empowering and Vesting Bill Napier High School Empowering Bill .. 2 3

1.—5

2

BEPORTB. No. 146.—Petition of Thomson and Farrbr, of Hamilton. Praying for a grant of £200, being survey and legal expenses incurred in respect of land hold by the Walton Land Association. - I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 15th August, 1917.

No. B.—Petition o_ Matthew Henry, of Waerenga. PRAYING that the profit made by the State in respect of property known as Ballachraggan, acquired at an alleged wrong valuation, be paid to petitioner. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that this petition he referred to the Government for favourable consideration, and is of opinion that, petitioner should receive a portion of the profits, if any, made by the Government on the sale of petitioner's hind, owing to the special circumstances surrounding the case. 15th August, 1917.

No. 48. —Petition of Ivan Urlicii and 2 Others. Praying for the restoration to them of kauri-gum (2 tons 4 cwt.) seized by the Crown in respect of action taken against them for digging in the Waitewheta Forest contrary to regulations under the Land Act, 1902. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 29th August, 1917.

No. 197.—Petition of George Whitcombe. Praying that inquiry be made to ascertain whether the "thirds" of rent in respect of Section 2, Block 2, Whareorino Survey District,' County of Awakino, have been diverted to some other public purpose, and that a bridge be erected across the Kiritehere Stream. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that this petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration, and is of opinion that in order to give the petitioner reasonable access to his section sufficient financial assistance be given for building a bridge. 29th August, 1917.

No. 252 (1916).—Petition of James Colvin and Another', of Westport. Praying for the insertion of a clause in the Reserves and other Lands Disposal and Public Bodies Empowering Bill cancelling the forfeiture of pastoral license of Section 17, Block I, Steeples Survey District, Nelson Land District. I.am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 6th September, 1917.

Day's Bay Sanitation and Water-supply Bill. The Lands Committee, to which 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. 12th September, 1917.

Napibr Harbour Board Empowering and Vesting Bill. * The Lands Committee, to which 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. 12th September, 1917.

No. 291.—Petition of Charles Stevens. • Praying for redress in connection with forfeiture of grazing-run No. 98, Tutamoe Survey District. 1 am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should lie referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 26th September, 1917,

3

1.—5

No. 257.—Petition of Thomas Bell. Praying for the issue of a title in fee-simple to Sunday Island, by virtue of his occupancy for period of twenty-three years. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 26th September, 1917.

Parliamentary Paper No. 280. Application by Otautau Timber Company, of Invercargill, for issue of timber license in respect of sawmill area 606 a, Extended Block VI, Jacobs River Hundred, prescribing royalties at rates ruling when their application was originally lodged in lieu of rates at present fixed by regulation. I am directed to report that the Lands Committee, to which was referred the above parliamentary paper, has no recommendation to make. 26th September, 1917.

No. 238. —Petition of Leyland-O'Biuen Timber Company (Limited). Praying for a further extension of the period of license to cut timber on Blocks 2, 6, and 7, Tairua Survey District (Stony Creek), County of Thames, owing to adverse circumstances of getting timber to the mills and restricted operations since the declaration of war. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. Your Committee recommends to the Government that the system of sale by the Crown of timber far beyond the capacity of the buyer working the same within a reasonable period be discontinued.

Tauranga Harbour Amendment and Foreshore Vesting Bill. The Lands Committee, to which was referred the above Bill, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered same, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed as amended. 26th September, 1917.

No. 92.—Petition of Esther Ann Spurrell. Praying that inquiry be made into certain transactions in connection with the conveyance of Section 11, Ruataniwha Survey District, and transfer of Waikopiro B No. 16 Block to Lizzie Susan Holden, whereby through petitioner's ignorance an injustice was done her, and that legislation be passed cancelling such conveyance and transfer of the said land to the said Lizzie Susan Holden. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for inquiry into the allegation of dummvism as stated in petition. 3rd October, 1917.

No. 222. —Petition of John Holdswortii. Praying that he be recompensed out of the public funds of the Dominion the sum of £2,563, with interest, in respect of alleged loss of land (932 acres 1 rood perches, part of Waihoku Block No. 2563), ascertained by resurvev made in 1909. as per plans deposited in Land Transfer Office at Gisborne, Nos. 1562 and 1583! I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 3rd October, 1917. '

Wairoa Harbour Board Endowment Bill. The Lands Committee, to which was referred the above-mentioned Bill, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and recommends that it be not allowed to proceed. 3rd October, 1917.

Foxton Harbour Board Amendment Bill. The Lands Committee, to which 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. 3rd October, 1917.

Napier High School Empowering Bill. The Lands Committee. In which was referred the above-mentioned Bill, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and recommends that it lie allowed to proceed «s amended by the Local Bills Committee. 3r . October. 1917.

2—l. 5.

1.—5

4

No. 245.—Petition of C. TI. Chipman. Praying for the restoration of Section 77, Manaia, County of Whangarei, containing 121 acres taken by the Government as a scenic reserve {New Zealand Gazette, 1905, p. 241). 1 am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 10th October, 1917.

No. 394.—Petition of J. T. Bioknell. Praying for redress in respect of loss sustaine.d by flooding of petitioner's land (Tawalia Settlement) caused by inadequate drainage of the district. I have the honour to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for inquiry with a view to affording relief in such cases as that of the petitioner's. 10th October, 191.7.

Nislson Harbour Board Empowering Bill. The Lands Committee, to which was referred the above-mentioned Bill, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and recommends that it lie allowed to proceed as amended. 10th October, 1917.

Dunedin Waterworks Extension Bill. The Lands Committee, to which 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. 10th October, 1917.

Hawke's Bay Rivers Amendment Bill. The Lands Committee, to which was referred the above-mentioned Bill, has the honour to report, that, it lias carefully considered the same, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed as amended by the Local Bills Committee. 10th October, 1917.

Discharged Soldiers Settlement Amendment Bill. I am directed to report that the Lands Committee, to which was referred the above-mentioned Bill, has carefully considered the same, and recommends that it be, allowed to proceed without amendment. 10th October, 1917.

No. 437. —Petition of James Campion. Praying for compensation for loss sustained by reason of shortage in survey of land held under the Land Transfer Act, situated near Fordell, Provincial District of Wellington. 1 am directed to report that the petitioner has suffered serious loss through a miscalculation by the Lands Department of the area of laud included in his certificate of title, and this Committee recommends that the claim of petitioner for compensation he referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 17th October, 1917.

AVhangarei Harbour Board Vesting Bill. The Lands Committee, to which was referred the above-mentioned Bill, has the honour to report that it, has carefully considered the same, and recommends that, the Bill as amended be referred to the Native Affairs Committee. 17th October, 1917.

No. 108.—Petition of J. H. Schmidt and Others. Praying that they be given the option of converting their national-endowment and other Crown leases into freehold, on same conditions as Manunui, Kangataua, and Ohakune. fc lam directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 17th October, 1917.

1.—5

5

No. 201. —Petition of John Bendall. Praying that he be issued a title to Block 367, Parish of Waikumcte, as marked on original survey made by the Government surveyor. 1 am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 17th October, 1917.

No. 235. —Petition of C. Phil Smith and 70 Others. Praying that a Commission be set up to inquire fully into the question of the recent rise in the unimproved value of land within the Borough of Tauuiarunui, or that the Valuation Department be instructed to send an officer, other than'the official who made the new valuation, to meet the ratepayers with a view to a satisfactory adjustment of values. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 17th October, 1917.

No. 417. —Petition of Dunedin Chamber oe Commerce and Otago Expansion League, and 12 similar Petitions (as per Schedule attached). Praying that a Commission be appointed to inquire into the question of bringing the pastoral lands of Otago, which under present tenure are seriously deteriorating, into a more productive condition, and so further the increase of settlement. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the Government be strongly recommended to set up a Commission to inquire into the question of bringing the pastoral-lands of Otago, which under present tenure are seriously deteriorating, into a more productive condition, and so further the increase of settlement. 17th October, 19.17. Schedule. No. 472. —Borough of Clyde. No. 473. —Otago Expansion League (Upper Clutha No. 471.—Corporation of Dunedin. Branch). No. 453. —Cromwell Borough Council. No. 463. —Otago Harhour Hoard. No. 450.—Dunedin Manufacturer.' Association. No. 432.—0tag0 Provincial Council of Now Zealand No. 4(12. —Mosgiel Borough Council. Farmers' Union. No. 455.—0tag0 Employers' Association. No. 451. —Port Chalmers Borough Council. No. 452. —Otago Expansion League (Queenstown No. 454. —St. Kilda Borough Council. Branch).

No. 233.—Petition of George Catterall and 25 Others. Praying that the necessary road repairs be effected and the system of drainage improved upon in respect of land held on lease by Crown tenants, Henderson Gum Reserve, near Swauson, Provincial District of Auckland. I have the honour to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 17th October, 1917.

Land Laws Amendment Bill, The Lands Committee, to which 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 amen tied. 17th October, 1917.

Whakatane Harbour, Amendment Bill. The Lands Committee, to which 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. 17th October, 1917.

Wanganui Harbour Board Vesting Bill. The Lands Committee, to which was referred the above-mentioned Bill, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and recommends (hat it be allowed to proceed as amended by the Local Bills Committee. 17th October, 1917.

1.—5

6

No. 450.—Petition of Alfred Rippon. Praying that he be allowed to retain Section lo of the Kurupuni Settlement, at Masterton, at its original stated area detailed in surveyor's plan—viz., 165 ft. by 102 ft.—upon which basis purchase was made. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 18th October, 1917.

Reserves and other Lands Disposal and Public Bodies Empowering Bill. The Lands Committee, to which 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. 25th October, 1917.

No. 384.—Petition of W. Quarterman and 15 Others. Praying for redress and relief in respect of damage to their lands (Awaiti Section of the Northern District of the Ohinemuri Survey District), caused by the overflowing of the Waihou River. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that, the Government grant such relief, by the erection of protective works or otherwise, as will enable settlers to make a living out of their holdings, and that a remission of one or more years' rent be granted, as may be found equitable. 27th October, 1917.

No. 441..—Petition of W. J. Hunt. Praying for redress in respect of loss of timber rights of Native land (Ngarara Block) caused through alleged retrospective legislation—viz., the Ngarara and Waipiro Reinvestigation Act, 1889. I am directed to report that consideration of this petition by the Lands Committee be held over till next session, and that the Government be recommended to. obtain the Solicitor-General's opinion as to the validity of petitioner's claim under agreement dated the 17th October, 1887, and other documents upon the departmental file of the Native Department. 27th October, 1917.

Final Report. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has during the session held eighteen meetings, the average attendance being nine members at each meeting. The number of petitions referred to the Committee was twenty-nine, the number of papers one, the number of Bills fifteen, all of which have been reported upon to the House. 27th October, 1917.

• Special Report. The Lands Committee, while acknowledging the close attention which the Chairman (Mr. E. Newman) has devoted to all matters which have come up for consideration, desires to place on record its appreciation of the courteous and able manner in which ho has presided over its deliberations during the session. 27th October, 1917.

Special Report. I am directed to report that the Lands Committee desires to place on record its appreciation of the good service rendered by the Clerk (Mr. S. T. Patterson), who has discharged his duties with diligence and tact, and recommends to the Government that his services as a Committee Clerk lie permanently retained. 27th October, 1917.

Approximate Cost 0/ Paper.— Preparation, not given ; printing (650 copies), £4.

Authority : Marcus F. Marks, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9l7.

Price (id.\