LANDS COMMITTEE (REPORTS OF THE). (Mr. HOCKLY, Chairman.)

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1924 Session I, I-05

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1924. NEW ZEALAND.

LANDS COMMITTEE (REPORTS OF THE). (Mr. HOCKLY, Chairman.)

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

ORDER OF REFERENCE. Extracts from the Journals of the House of Representatives. Thursday, the 17th Day of July, 1924. Ordered, " That a Select 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 Bills ; the Committee to have power to call for persons, papers, and records ; three to be a quorum : the Committee to consist of Mr. Bitchener, Mr. Forbes, Mr. Glenn, Mr. Hockly, Mr. Langstone, the Hon. Mr. Guthrie, Mr. T. W. Rhodes, Mr. Savage, Mr. Witty, and the mover." —(Hon. Mr. McLeoii.)

INDEX.

No. Petitioner. Page. No. Petitioner. Page. 36 Appleton, William Auckland City and Auckland Museum Empowering Bill - 4 3 74 Nettlefold, Cyril New Plymouth Borough and New Plymouth Harbour Board Exchange Bill New Plymouth Borough Council Empowering Bill North Shore Boroughs (Auckland) Water-supply Bill 4 2 374,381 6 3 Brett, John L. 5 152 342 179/23 33 Callaghan, James Callaghan, Maria Carter, R. P., and 38 others Chalmers, John Howe Coal-mines Amendment Bill Collins, V. A. 4 5 4 5 6 200 O'Reilly, J. J. 5 340 8/23 Palmes, B., and 213 others Parliamentary Paper No. 124 (Hutt Valley Lands) Parliamentary Paper No. 223 (Reserves for Education) 0 2 31 Dennis, C. R. B. Discharged Soldiers Settlement Amendment Bill Dunedin City Corporation Empowering Bill 4 ti 5 2 5 Education Reserves Amendment, Bill .. Egmont National Park Bill 4 (J Reserves and other Lands Disposal and Public Bodies Empowering Bill Amendments to above Amendments to above Amendments to above (i 0 0 164 104 Final Report Fisher, Percy (First Report) Fisher, Percy (Second Report) 7 5 7 347 Smale, J. H. Special Report (Hon. 1). H. Guthrie) .. Special Report (Chairman) Steel, John, and 10 others Sumner Borough Council and Heathcote County Council (McCormack's Bay) Vesting and Empowering Bill 6 2 7 3 4 Guthrie, Hon. D. H. (Special Report) .. 2 28 181/23 117 Hassali, Rachel M. ., Henry, Matthew Hutt Valley Lands (Parliamentary Paper No. 124) 2 3 2 287 7 Thomas, W. L., and 16 others 5 Ireland, Alfred 89 130 Land Bill Lavender, Allen 3 6 14 Wakeham, John, and 27 others Wanganui Borough Council Vesting and Empowering Bill Wellington City Empowering and Amendment Bill Wellington City Mangahao Endowment Sale Empowering Bill Whangarei Borough Council 3 4 155/23 5 302 90/23^ 64 r Maddison, G., and 1,099 others Matheson, Eva Cordelia Mclntyre, John, and 112 others 3 6 6 8 4 Moriarty, Timothy 3 188/23 2

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REPORTS. Special Report. I have the honour to report that at a meeting of the Lands Committee held this morning the following resolution was unanimously agreed to : — " That this Committee places on record its deep appreciation of the splendid services rendered to the Dominion by the Hon. D. H. Guthrie, M.P., in his capacity of Minister of Lands. His administration during a most difficult period has received the approval of all political parties in the House and of the people, of the country, and the, Committee records its deep regret that owing to ill health he has had to relinquish his portfolio. It extends to him its sincere good wishes for complete restoration to health, so that the Dominion may again have the benefit of his valuable services as an administrative member of the Government. " That this resolution be recorded in the minutes and reported to the House." 18th July, 1924.

DuNEriTN Ctty Corporation Empowering Bill. The Lands Committee, to which was referred the above-mentioned Bill as amended by the Local Bills Committee, has the honour to report that the said Bill has been carefully considered, and the Committee has made further amendments therein, as shown on copy of Bill attached hereto. The Committee recommends that the Bill be referred, to the Goldfields and Mines Committee. 14th August, 1924.

No. 179/23. —Petition of R. P. Carter and 38 Others, of Taumarunui. Praying that they may be enabled to acquire the freehold of their sections in Blocks I and II of the Native Township of Taumarunui at approximately the same prices for which they were acquired by the Crown. 1 have the honour to report that, as steps are being taken to give effect to the prayer of the petitioners, the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 21st August, 1924.

No. 181/23.—Petition of Rachel M. Hassall, of Christchurch. Praying that a certificate of title to Section 26, Block IV, Jacob's River Hundred, be granted to the family of the late Captain William Stevens. I have the honour to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Native Affairs Committee. 21st August, 1924.

No. 188/23. —Petition of Whangarei Borough Council. Praying that steps be taken to reserve an area of land containing limestone rock in Whangarei County as a scenic reserve. I have the honour to report that the Committee recommends that, in accordance with the request of petitioner, leave be given for the petition to be withdrawn. 21st August, 1924.

Parliamentary Paper No. 124. (Proposal that the Government should take over and exercise and accept certain Options and Offers for the Purchase of Lands, made and granted by Owners of Lands on the Eastern Side of the Hutt Valley to the Mayor of the Hutt, for Land-settlement Purposes). I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee, having inspected the lands in question, and having heard and carefully considered the evidence tendered before it, recommends that, in view of the undoubted necessity of duplicating the railway-line and the deviation of it through these lands, the undoubted demand that exists for homes in the vicinity of large cities, the necessity of providing room for further expansion for homes for the people of tho City of Wellington, and the reasonable nature of the options, the Government do negotiate for the purchase of the land for closer settlement. 21st August, 1924.

New Plymouth Borough and New Plymouth Harbour Board Exchange 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 as amended by the Local Bills Committee, 28th August, 1924.

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New Plymouth Borough Council Empowering 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 as amended by the Local Bills Committee. 28th August, 1924.

No. 155/23.—Petition of G. Maddison and 1,099 Others, of Hawke's Bay. Praying for legislation to enable acquisition of small holdings. I have the honour to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 28th August, 1924.

Auckland City and Auckland Museum Empowering Bill. The Lands Committee, to which was referred the above-mentioned Bill as amended by the Local Bills Committee, has the honour to report that the said Bill has been carefully considered, and the Committee recommends that the Bill be allowed to proceed with a further amendment, as shown on the copy of the Bill attached hereto. 28th August, 1924.

Nos. 90/23 and 64/24.—Petitions of Timothy Moriarty, of Stillwater, Westland. Praying for compensation for loss incurred in connection with title to certain land in the Grey district. I have the honour to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to these petitions. 28th August, 1924.

No. 14. —Petition of John Wakeham and 27 Others, of Netherton. Praying for compensation for losses sustained owing to damage done by flood to Crown sections at Netherton, Hauraki Plains. I have the honour to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 28th August, 1924.

No. 117.—Petition of Matthew Henry. Praying that the matter of the sale of the Balachraggan Settlement, Waitoa, be referred to two Judges of the Supreme Court, or for compensation for loss. I have the honour to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard, to this petition. 28th August, 1924.

No. 28. —Petition of John Steel and 10 Others. Praying for legislation to enable the acquisition of freehold of national-endowment lands in Rotorua County. I have the honour to report that, notwithstanding this being a question of policy, the Committee recommends the Government, considering the exceptional circumstances in which these settlers find themselves, to introduce legislation to enable them to acquire the freehold. 4th September, 1924.

Wellington City Empowering and Amendment Btll. 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 $f) proceed as amended by the Local Bills Committee. 4th September, 1924.

Land 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 amendments as shown on copy of the Bill attached hereto. 4th September, 1924.

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Sumner Borough Council and Heathoote County Council (McCormack's Bay) Vesting and Empowering 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 as amended by the Local Bills Committee. 11th September, 1924.

Wellington City Mangahao Endowment Sale Empowering Bill. The Lands Committee, to which was referred the above-mentioned Bill as amended by the Local Bills Committee, has the honour to report that the said Bill has been carefully considered, and the Committee recommends that it be allowed to proceed, with further amendment as shown on copy of Bill attached hereto. 16th September, 1924.

No. 31. —Petition of C. R. B. Dennis, of Otorohanga. Praying for a refund of a sum of money alleged to have been paid to Commissioner of Crown Lands, Auckland, under a misapprehension. 1 have tho honour to report that, in view of the fact that the Department will refund to the petitioner the amount petitioned for, but without interest, the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 16th September, 1924.

No. 74. —Petition of Cyril Nettlefold, of Mangaweka. Praying that he be allowed to retain his interest in Section 24, Block VI, Hautapu Survey District. I have the honour to reriort that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 16th September, 1924.

No. 33. —Petition of John Howe Chalmers, of Balfour, Southland. Praying for compensation for loss sustained owing to alleged precipitate sale of his deceased wife's interests in a Crown lease by Public Trustee. I have the honour to report that in the opinion of the Committee this is not a matter for consideration by the Lands Committee, and the said Committee recommends that the petition be referred back to the Petitions Classification Committee. 18th September, 1924.

No. 152. —Petition of James Callaghan, of Green Island. Praying for compensation for loss incurred through sale of his land to a returned soldier. I have the honour to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 18th September, 1924.

Wanganui Borough Council Vesting and Empowering 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 is of opinion that it should be not allowed to proceed. 30th September, 1924.

Education Reserves 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 tho Committee recommends that it be allowed to proceed without amendment. 30th September, 1924.

No. 36.—Petition of William Appleton, of Mount Eden. Praying for redress for loss sustained owing to having to abandon his holding because of lack of road access. I have the honour to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 30th September, 1924.

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No. 136. —Petition of Allen Lavender. Praying for compensation for loss sustained owing to an alleged error in survey of his land at Ahipara. I have the honour to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition-, 30th September, 1924.

No. 164. —Petition of Pkrcy Fisher, of East Oxford. (First Report.) Praying for consideration with regard to rental, for remission of rent, and for right to surrender lease of sections in Ashley Gorge Settlement. I have the honour to report that, as the law does not allow the first portion of the petitioner's prayer to be given effect to, and as the petitioner has the right to surrender his lease under the terms of section 254 of the Land Act, 1908, the Committee has no recommendation to make. Ist October, 1924. (Referred back to the Committee for further consideration.)

Parliamentary Paper No. 223 (Lands proposed to be, permanently reserved as Endowments for Primary and Secondary Education in the North Auckland, Hawke's Bay, Taranaki, and Marlborough Land Districts). I have the honour to report that the Committee recommends that the lands referred to in the abovementioned paper be permanently reserved for the purposes specified. 2nd October, 1924.

North Shore Boroughs (Auckland) Water-supply Bill. The Lauds Committee, to which was referred (he 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 as amended by the Local Bills Committee. Bth October, 1924.

No. 260. —Petition of John Joseph O'Reilly, of Westmere, Wanganui. Praying that he be granted reduction of valuation, alleged to have been intended by the District Revaluation Committee, upon his holding under the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act. I have the honour to report that, in view of the fact that the Dominion Board has ordered a further valuation with a view to reconsideration, the Committee recommends that this petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 9th October, 1924. (Referred back to the Committee for further consideration.)

No. 89. —Petition of W. L. Thomas and 16 Others, of Rangi Survey District. Praying for revaluation of their holdings under Crown leasehold, and provision of road access. I have the honour to report that the Committee recommends that legislation be introduced to enable the prayer of the petitioners with regard to revaluation to be given effect to. 9th October, 1924.

No. 342.- Petition of Maria Callaghan, of Green Island, Otago. Praying for an inquiry with regard to loss incurred through sale of the holding of her husband to a returned soldier, and for a compassionate allowance. I have the honour to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for inquiry. 10th October, 1924.

Coal-mines 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, in so far as it affects the lands of the Crown, the Bill be allowed to proceed without amendment. The Committee is of opinion that the Bill should be referred to the Goldfields and Mines Committee. 28th October, 1924.

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 the said Bill has been carefully considered, and the Committee recommends that it be allowed to proceed without amendment. '29th October, 1924.

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No. 8/23—Petition of B. Palmes and 213 Others. Praying that a Commission be appointed to inquire into the position of ratepayers under the, Rangitaiki Land Drainage Act, 1910. I have the honour to report that the Committee recommends that, in accordance with the request of the petitioners, leave be given for the petition to be withdrawn. 30th October, 1924.

No. s.—Petition of Eva Cordelia Matheson, of Leigh, Auckland. Praying for compensation for loss of a portion of Allotment No. 20, Parish of Leigh, alleged to have been wrongly taken by the Government. I have the honour to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 30th October, 1924.

No. 302.--Petition of John Mclntyre and 112 Others. Praying that they be granted a rebate of 10 per cent., for prompt payment of rent of educational reserves. I have the honour to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 30th October, 1924.

Nos. 374 and 381, Petitions of John L. Brett; No. 346, Petition of V. A. Collins; and No. 347, Petition of J. H. Smale. Praying for compensation for loss sustained through taking up land in Hauraki Plains district under the returned soldiers settlement scheme. I have the honour to report that in the opinion of the Committee those petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration. 30th October, 1924.

Reserves and other Lands Disposal and Public Bodies Empowering Bill (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 they be allowed to proceed, with amendment as shown on copy of proposed amendments attached hereto. Ist November, 1924.

Reserves and other Lands Disposal and Public Bodies Empowering Bill (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 they be allowed to proceed. Ist November, 1924.

Reserves and othkr Lands Disposal and Public Bodies Empowering Bill (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 they be allowed to proceed'. 3rd November, 1924.

Discharged Soldiers Settlement 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. 3rd November, 1924.

Egmont National Park 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. 3rd November, 1924.

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No. 287.—Petition of Alfred Ireland, of Te Rauamoa. Praying that he be. granted remission of rent of his holding in Section 4, Block XIII, Pirongia Survey District. I have the honour to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 6th November, 1924.

No. 164.— Petition of Pkrcy Fisher, of East Oxford. (Second Report.) Praying for consideration with regard to rental, for remission of rent, and for right to surrender lease of sections in Ashley Gorge Settlement. I have the honour to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 6th November, 1924.

Special Report. I am directed to report that at the final meeting of the Lands Committee the following resolution was carried unanimously : — " That the Committee desires to place on record its appreciation of the conspicuous ability, tact, and courtesy displayed by Mr. F. F. Hockly as Chairman of the Committee; that this resolution be recorded in the minutes and reported to the House." Geo. Witty, 6th November, 1924. Member of the Committee.

Final Report. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee, consisting of ten members, has held twentyone meetings during the session, and that the average attendance of members at these meetings has been seven members per meeting. Including seven held over from last, session, the Committee had referred to it twenty-nine petitions. Of these, twenty-six were considered and reported upon, and three are held over till next session. Fifteen Bills and two parliamentary papers were referred to the Committee, and all of these were considered and reported upon. 6th November, 1924.

Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given ; printing (475 copies), £0 10a.

Authority :W.A. G. Skinner, Government Printer, Wellington. 1924.

Price od.\