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

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1926 Session I, I-05

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1926. NEW ZEALAND.

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

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

ORDER OF REFERENCE. Extract from the Journals of the House of Representatives. Thursday, the Ist Day or July, 1926. 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 education or other public reserves ; the Committee to have power to make such amendments therein as it thinks 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, the Hon. Mr. Buddo, Mr. Forbes, Mr. J. R. Hamilton, Mr. Hockly, Mr. Jordan, Mr. McLennan, Mr. Savage, Mr. Walter, and the mover."-—(Hon. Mr. McLeod.)

INDEX.

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No. Petition, Ac. Page. Auckland Harbour Board Empowering 4 Bill Auckland Provincial Water Board Bill 4 269/25 Brett, J. L. .. .. • • 5 55 Buchanan, George, and 4 others .. 3 195/25 Callaghan, James 67 Commins, Flora M. .. .. ■. 6 260/25 Elder, Jessie A. 147 Elder, R. M. .. . • •. 5 266 Fauchelle, F. E. .. .. .. 6 Final report .. •. •. 6 Forests Amendment Bill .. .. 6 209/25 Grant, T., and 51 others .. .. 3 .. Hauraki Plains Bill .. .. . ■ 3 217/25 Hay, George .. .. .. 2 Howard Estate Amendment Bill .. 3 Hutt Valley Lands Settlement Amend- 5 ment Bill 66 John, H. R. H. .. .. .. 4 Kaituna River District Bill .. .. 5 Land Laws Amendment Bill .. .. 4 220/25 Lavender, Allen .. .. .. 4 Local Legislation Bill .. .. 5 103 Maxwell, James, and 2 others .. 5 Mining Bill .. • • • • 2 2 (3/26 / Moriart y- Timothy .. .. .. 5

I I No. I Petition, &c. i Page. Moulin, Melicent Theresa .. 2,3 Napier Harbour Board and Napier 4 Borough Enabling Bill Napier Harbour Board Empowering and 4 Loan Bill 237 O'Connor, Catherine .. .. [ 5 191/25 Overton, John Reginald .. ..J 3 Parliamentary Paper No. 115 (Educa- 2 tion) Peel Forest Bill .. .. .. 2 Petone Borough Council Empowering 4 Bill Reserves and other Lands Disposal Bill 4, 5, 6 241 Rock, P., and 2 others .. .. 6 257/25 Sargent, Ered .. .. .. 3 Scenery-preservation Amendment Bill 2 Swamp Drainage Amendment Bill .. 6 Town-planning Bill Tutukaka, Whangaruru, and Whananaki 3 Harbours Control Bill } 4 Valuation of Land Amendment Bill .. 3 16 Ward, Alfred .. .. .. 2 Westland and Nelson Coalfields Ad- 6 ministration Amendment Bill 177/25 Williams, Stanley Forbes Gough .. 2 245 Wilson, J. H. .. .. .. ! 6 i

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REPORTS. Mining 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. 7th July, 1926.

Peel Forest 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. 16th July, 1926. —

Scenery-preservation 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, with amendment as shown on the copy of the Bill attached. 16th July, 1926.

No. 217/25. —Petition of George Hay, of Onehunga. Praying for refund of amount paid in connection with the purchase of certain sections at Mangere. I have the honour to report that, in view of the arrangement entered into between the Commissioner of Crown Lands, Auckland Land District, and the petitioner, and approved by the Minister of Lands on 11th February, 1926, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 21st July, 1926.

No. 16. —Petition of Alfred Ward, of Christchurch. Praying for compensation for losses incurred during occupation of land purchased from the Crown. I have the honour to report that, in view of the arrangements entered into between the petitioner and the Crown, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 21st July, 1926.

No. 27. —Petition of Mrs. Melicent Theresa Moulin, of Arahiwi, Rotorua Line. Praying that the Government will take over her interests in a certain farm property at Piopio. I have the honour to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 21st July, 1926.

No. 260/25.—Petition of Jessie A. Elder, of Waipapa. Praying for compensation for loss, and for inquiry with regard to the exchange of a Government property in Canterbury. I have the honour to report that, as the petitioner has not exhausted her legal remedies, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 30th July, 1926.

Parliamentary Paper No. 115.—Proposal to reserve Lands in Hoteo Parish, North Auckland Land District, as Endowments for Primary Education. I am directed to report that the Committee, having considered Paper No. 115, referred to it by the House, proposing reservation of lands in Hoteo Parish, North Auckland Land District, as endowments for primary education, recommends that the proposal be given effect to. 12th August, 1926.

No. 177/25. —Petition of Stanley Forbes Gough Williams, of Runciman, Auckland. Praying for compensation for loss incurred as a soldier settler on the Minden Estate. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 12th August, 1926,

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No. 191/25. —-Petition of John Reginald Overton, of Ngahinapouri, Auckland. Praying for payment by the Crown of balance of purchase-money for farm property at Okete, ar.d for compensation for alleged neglect and delay by the Commissioner of Crown Lands, Auckland. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 12th August, 1926.

No. 195/25. —Petition of JAmes Callaghan, of Green Island, Dunedin. Praying for compensation for loss incurred through sale of his land to a returned soldier. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 12th August, 1926.

Town-planning 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 the amendments as shown on the copy of the Bill attached. 13th August, 1926.

Valuation of Land 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. 13th August, 1926.

No. 257/25. —Petition of Fred Sargent, of Christchurch. Praying for compensation for loss sustained through sale of his farm at Lowcliffe, Canterbury, to returned soldiers. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make on this petition. 13th August, 1926.

Howard Estate 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.

18th August, 1926. Hauraki Plains 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. 18th August, 1926.

No. 209/25. —Petition of T. Grant and 51 Others. Praying that the Clifton State Settlement be thrown open for general settlement. I have the honour to report that the Committee recommends that, in accordance with the request of the member in charge of the petition, leave be given for the petition to be withdrawn. 20th August, 1926.

No. 214/25. —-Petition of Melicent Theresa Moulin, of Arahiwi. Praying that the Government will take over her interest in a certain farm property at Piopio. I have the honour to report that the Committee recommends that, in accordance with the request of the member presenting the petition, leave be given for the petition to be withdrawn. 20th August, 1926.

No. 55.—Petition of George Buchanan and 4 Others, of Paeroa. Praying for relief for damage alleged to have been done to their properties by the Waihou and Ohinemuri Rivers improvement scheme. I have the honour to report that the Committee considers that the petitioners have suffered loss by the operations carried on under the Waihou and Ohinemuri Rivers Improvement Act, 1910, and refers the petition to the Government for favourable consideration. 24th August, 1926.

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No. 66.—Petition of H. R. H. John, of Te Teko. Praying for relief and compensation owing to damage to his land alleged to be done by drainage operations on Rangitaiki Plains. I have the honour to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 24th August, 1926.

Auckland Harbour Board 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. 24th August, 1926.

Land Laws 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. 24th August, 1926.

Auckland Provincial Water Board 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, so far as it affects the lands of the Crown, the Bill be allowed to proceed without amendment. 24th August, 1926.

Tutukaka, Whangaruru, and Whananaki Harbours Control 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. 24th August, 1926.

Napier Harbour Board Empowering and Loan Bill. The Lands Committee, to which was referred the above-mentioned Bill, has the honour to report that, in view of the fact that it is informed by the honourable member who introduced the said Bill that the same is not to be proceeded with, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 26th August, 1926.

Reserves and other Lands Disposal 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. 26th August, 1926.

No. 220/25. —Petition of Allen Lavender, of Waipapakauri. Praying for compensation for loss sustained owing to an alleged error in the 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. 26th August, 1926.

Napier Harbour Board and Napier Borough Enabling 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, so far as it affects the lands of the Crown, the Bill be allowed to proceed, with the amendments as shown on the copy of the Bill annexed hereto. Ist September, 1926.

Petone 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, so far as it affects the lands of the Crown, the Bill be allowed to proceed without amendment. Ist September, 1926.

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Kaituna River District 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, so far as it affects the lands of the Crown, the Bill be allowed to proceed without amendment. Ist September, 1926.

Hutt Valley Lands 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. Ist September, 1926.

Local Legislation 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, so far as it affects the lands of the Crown, the Bill be allowed to proceed without amendment. Ist September, 1926.

No. 103.—Petition of James Maxwell and 2 Others, of Hokianga. Praying for inquiry into alleged purchase of land at Okahukura. I have the honour to report that the Committee recommends that this petition be referred to the Native Afiairs Committee. Ist September, 1926.

Reserves and other Lands Disposal 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, in so far as the proposed new clauses are concerned, they be allowed to proceed without amendment. 3rd September, 1926.

No. 269/25. —Petition of John L. Brett, of Auckland. Praying for compensation for loss sustained through taking up land at Hauraki Plains under returned soldiers settlement scheme. I have the honour to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 6th September, 1926.

No. 24/25. —Petition of Timothy Moriarty, of Stillwater, Westland. Praying for compensation for loss incurred in connection with title to certain land in the Grey district. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 6th September, 1926.

No. 6.—Petition of Timothy Moriarty, of Stillwater, Westland. Praying for compensation for loss incurred in connection with title to certain land in the Grey district. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 6th September, 1926.

No. 147. —Petition of R. M. Elder, of Kenwyn, Studholme Junction. Praying for compensation, and to be freed from obligations under a returned soldier's grant. I have the honour to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for inquiry. 6th September, 1926.

No. 237. —Petition of Catherine O'Connor, of Creswick, Wellington. Praying for compensation for depreciation caused to her property. I have the honour to report that the Committee recommends that the Government again offer the petitioner a Commission to go into the subject-matter of her petition. 6th September, 1926.

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No. 241.— Petition of P. Rock and 2 -Others, of Paeroa. Praying for compensation for money, time, and labour put into their various holdings, which are affected by " bush sickness." I have the honour to report that, as the various areas covered by the petition are at present the subject-matter of investigation under the Deteriorated Lands Act, and, further, as a question of policy is involved, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 6th September, 1926.

No. 245.—Petition of J. H. Wilson, of Auckland. Praying for compensation for loss on the sale of his land to two returned soldiers. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 6th September, 1926. —

Swamp Drainage 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. 6th September, 1926. ——

Forests 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, with the amendments shown on the copy attached. 7th September, 1926.

No. 67. —Petition of Flora M. Commins, of Mareretu, North Auckland. Praying for compensation for land taken by the Public Works Department for railway purposes. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 7th September, 1926. —

No. 266.—Petition of F. E. Fauchelle, of Riwaka, Nelson. Praying for compensation for loss through repudiation of alleged contract for purchase of Crown land. I have the honour to report that the Committee recommends that the sale of the land in question should be postponed until further and full inquiry be made into the matter, with a view to the land being allotted to the petitioner. 7th September, 1926.

Reserves and other Lands Disposal Bill (Further 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 the proposed new clause be allowed to proceed without amendment. Bth September, 1926.

Westland and Nelson Coalfields Administration 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. 9th September, 1926.

Final Report. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee, consisting of ten members, has held seventeen meetings during the session, and that the average attendance of members at these meetings has been eight members per meeting. Including twelve held over from last session, the Committee has had referred to it twenty-eight petitions. Twenty-three of these were considered and reported on, and five are held over until next session. Twenty-one Bills and one parliamentary paper were referred to the Committee, and all of these were considered and reported upon. 9th September, 1926.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given; printing (525 copies), £8 10s.

By Authority : W. A. G. Skinnee, Government Printer, Wellington.—l 926.

Price 6d.]

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