LANDS COMMITTEE (REPORTS OF THE). (MR. J. A. MACPHERSON, Chairman.)

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1930 Session I, I-05

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1930. NEW ZEALAND

LANDS COMMITTEE (REPORTS OF THE). (MR. J. A. MACPHERSON, Chairman.)

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

ORDERS OF REFERENCE. Extracts from the Journals of the House of Representatives. Wednesday, the 23rd Bay of July, 1930. Ordered, " That a Select Committee be set up, consisting, by leave of the House, of fourteen 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 recommend 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. Broadfoot, Mr. Healy, Mr. McDougall, Mr. Maepherson, Mr. Dickie, Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Jones, Mr. Massey, Mr. Langstone, Mr. Martin, Mr. Savage, Mr. Hogan, Mr. Poison, and the mover." —(Hon. Mr. Ransom.) Tuesday, the 29th Day of July, 1930. Ordered, " That all petitions not finally dealt with during the session of 1929 be again referred to the same Committees that they were referred to during the said session."—(Hon. Mr. Forbes.) Wednesday, the 6th Day of August, 1930. Ordered, " That the petition of J. W. Silcock be referred direct to the Lands Committee." —(Mr. Samuel.) Friday, the 15th Day of August, 1930. Ordered, " That the order referring the petition of C. L. Thomas and others to the Public Petitions A to L Committee be rescinded, and that the petition be referred to the Lands Committee direct." —(Mr. Campbell.) Thursday, the 18th Day of September, 1930. Ordered, " That the Lands Committee have leave to sit this day during the sitting of the House." —(Mr. Macpherson.) Tuesday, the 23rd Day of September, 1930. Ordered, " That the petition of J. F. Parker be referred direct to the Lands Committee." —(Mr. Young.) Wednesday, the 24th Day of September, 1930. Ordered, " That the petition of the Taumarunui Borough Council and others be referred direct to the Lands Committee." —(Mr. Langstone.) Wednesday, the Bth Day of October, 1930. Ordered, " That the petition of J. G. Donald and others be referred direct to the Lands Committee."—(Mr. Bodkin.) Thursday, the 16th Day of October, 1930. Ordered, " That the report of the Lands Committee on the petition of C. E. Keene be referred back to the Committee, which shall be revived for the purpose of considering the same." —(Mr. Sullivan.) Tuesday, the 21st Day of October, 1930. Ordered, " That the Lands Committee be revived for the purpose of considering the petition of James Pagan."— (Mr. Black.) Memoranda for the Chairman of the Lands Committee. The Bill intituled the Wellington City Empowering Bill stands referred to the Lands Committee for report. The Bill intituled the Hawke's Bay County Empowering Bill stands referred to the Lands Committee for report. The Bill intituled the National Art Gallery and Dominion Museum Bill was ordered to be referred to the Lands Committee for report. The Bill intituled the Patea Borough Empowering Bill stands referred to the Lands Committee for report. The Bill intituled the Reserves and other Lands Disposal Bill, having been read a first time in the House of Representatives on the 17th September, 1930, stands referred to the Lands Committee for report. The Bill intituled the Rotorua Borough Vesting and Empowering Bill stands referred to the Lands Committee for report. The Bill intituled the Land Laws Amendment Bill, having been read a first time in the House of Representatives on the 29th September, 1930, stands referred to the Lands Committee for report. The Bill intituled the Auckland City and Motuihi Empowering Bill stands referred to the Lands Committee for report. The Bill intituted the Local Legislation Bill stands referred to the Lands Committee for report. The Bill intituled the Hawke's Bay Rivers Amendment Bill stands referred to the Lands Committee for report. The Bill intituled the Waimakariri River Improvement Amendment Bill, having been read a first time in the House of Representatives on the Bth October, 1930, stands referred to the Lands Committee for report.

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INDEX.

REPORTS. Hawke's Bay County Empowering Bill. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered the Hawke's Bay County Empowering Bill, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed without amendment. 9th September, 1930.

Wellington City Empowering Bill. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered the Wellington City Empowering Bill, and recommends that, so far as it affects a public reserve, the Bill be allowed to proceed without amendment. 9th September, 1930.

No. 66. —Petition of J. T. Bicknell, of Featherston. Praying that he be granted compensation for losses incurred by reason of loss of drainage for his farm. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee -has carefully considered this petition, and has no recommendation to make. 11th September, 1930.

No. 43. —Petition of William Forrest, of Puke Road, Paeroa. Praying for compensation for losses incurred in certain sawmilling operations. I have the honour to report that, the subject-matter of this petition having been already dealt with by the Public Petitions A to L Committee this session on a similar petition held over from last session, the Lands Committee has 110 report to make. 11th September, 1930.

No. j Petitioner, Ac. j Page. j| 103 Alexander, H. L., and 27 others .. 4 Auckland City and Motuihi Empowering 3 Bill J 70 Bedell, M. .. .. .. 6 66 Bicknell, J. T. ,. .. .. 2 209 Cowley, R. A. .. .. .. 3 231 Donald, J. G., and 4 others .. .. 6 Final report .. .. .. 6 43 Forrest, W. .. .. .. 2 119/30} GiUe3 P ie ' A 3 Hawke's Bay County Empowering 2 Bill Hawke's Bay Rivers Amendment Bill.. 5 1 Holland, W. E. G. .. .. .. 5 56 Keene, C. E. .. .. .. 6,7 70 Kenny, P. J. .. .. .. 5 Land Laws Amendment Bill .. 4 Local Legislation Bill .. .. 4 41 Lowry, H. C., and 1,222 others .. 3 421/29 McBeth, J., and 2 others .. .. 5 420 Matson, P. J. .. .. .. 4 j

No. Petitioner, &c. ; Page. National Art Gallery and Dominion 3 Museum Bill 210 Pagan, J. .. .. .. .. 7 198 Parker, J. P. .. .. .. 5 Patea Borough Empowering Bill .. 3 220 Perkins, V. H. K. .. .. .. 6 162 Persson, J. .. .. .. 6 14 Read, W. .. . . .. .. 3 Reserves and other Lands Disposal Bill 3 Rotorua Borough Vesting and Em- 4 powering Bill Special Report re Chairman .. .. 7 Special report re Clerk .. .. 7 106 Silcock, J. W. .. .. .. 5 111 Syme, W. .. .. .. .. 5 208/30 Taumarunui Borough Council and 37 4 others 423/29 Te Kuiti Borough Council and 38 others 4 125 Thomas, C. L., and 475 others .. 3 WaimakaririRiverlmprovement Amend- 6 ment Bill 73 Wanklyn, A. M. G. .. .. .. 5 118 Ward, A. .. .. .. .. 6 Wellington City Empowering Bill .. 2 131 Williams, S. P. G. .. .. . . 4

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Patea Borough Empowering Bill. T have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered the Patea Borough Empowering Bill, and recommends that, so far as it affects public reserves, the Bill be allowed to proceed without amendment. 11th September, 1930.

No. 14.—Petition of William Read, of Springbrook, St. Andrews, Canterbury. Praying that he be granted an annual lease, with right of renewal, of land at present held by him at St. Andrews, Canterbury. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered this petition, and recommends that it be referred to the Government for favourable consideration ; and the Committee desires to suggest that this recommendation of the Committee be forwarded by the Government to the Canterbury Land Board. 11th September, 1930.

Nos. 422/1929 and 119/1930. —Petitions of Arthur Gillespie, of Wellington. Praying that he be reinstated on a soldiers-settlement farm at Akatarawa. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered these petitions, and has no recommendation to make. 25th September, 1930.

No. 41, Petition of Helen C. Lowry and 1,222 Others, and No. 125, Petition of C. L. Thomas and 475 Others. Praying that the Crown preserve as a scenic reserve and bird sanctuary the area of Native bush near Puketitiri known as " Ball's Clearing." I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered these petitions, and recommends that they be referred to the Government for most favourable consideration. 25th September, 1930.

National Art Gallery and Dominion Museum Bill. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered the National Art Gallery and Dominion Museum Bill, and recommends that the Bill be allowed to proceed, with the amendments shown in the copy of the Bill attached hereto. 25th September, 1930.

Auckland City and Motuihi Empowering Bill. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered the Auckland City and Motuihi Empowering Bill, and recommends that, so far as it affects the rights and prerogatives of the Crown or public reserves, the Bill be allowed to proceed without amendment. 29th September, 1930.

No. 209.—Petition of R. A. Cowley and Another. Praying that the passing of legislation to enable the Auckland City Council to expend the sum of £.3,945 12s. lid. or any portion thereof, on or towards the repair and improvement of workers' dwellings erected by the Council, be deferred. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered the above petition, and has no recommendation to make. 29th September, 1930.

Reserves and other Lands Disposal Bill. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered the Reserves and other Lands Disposal Bill, and recommends that the Bill be allowed to proceed, with the amendment shown on the copy of the Bill attached hereto. 29th September, 1930.

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Rotorua Borough Vesting and Empowering Bill. 1 have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered the Rotorua Borough Vesting and Empowering Bill, and that, so far as the Bill affects the lands of the Crown, the Committee has no objection to make ; but, in view of the decision of the Local Bills Committee against the Bill, the Lands Committee recommends that the Bill be not allowed to proceed. 29th September, 1930.

No. 103. —Petition of H. L. Alexander and 27 Others, of Reporoa Settlement. Praying for a revaluation of Reporoa Settlement lands. 1 have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered this petition, and recommends that it be referred to the Government for favourable consideration ; and the Committee desires to express the opinion that (1) the revaluation as assessed by Messrs. Galvin and Meredith should be adhered to and the settlers' valuations reduced accordingly ; and (2) the question of the formation of a Drainage Board over a portion or the total area of the Reporoa Settlement should be held in abeyance. The Committee is of opinion that the creation of a Drainage Board as at present proposed would impose a hardship on the settlers concerned. 2nd October, 1930.

No. 420. —Petition of P. J. Matson, of Wairoa, Hawke's Bay, Settler. Praying that he be reinstated as a Crown tenant on Section 15, Ardkeen Soldiers Settlement, Wairoa. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered this petition, and has no recommendation to make. 2nd October. 1930.

No. 423/1929, Petition of Te Kuiti Borough Council and 38 Others ; and No. 208/1930, Petition of Taumarunui Borough Council and 37 Others. Praying that reductions be made in the valuations and prices of lands purchased from the Crown on the deferred-payment system. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered these petitions, and, as a question of policy is involved, has no recommendation to make. 2nd October, 1930.

No. 131. —Petition of S. F. G. Williams, of Runciman, Settler. Praying that the Crown inform petitioner what it proposes to do in respect of moneys owing by petitioner to the Lands Department. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered this petition, and has no recommendation to make. 2nd October, 1930.

Land Laws Amendment Bill. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered the Land Laws Amendment Bill, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed, with amendments as shown on the copy of Bill attached. Bth October, 1930.

Local Legislation Bill. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered the Local Legislation Bill, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed without amendment. Bth October, 1930.

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No. 111, Petition of William Syme, of Onehunga, Auckland ; and No. 106, Petition of J. W. Silcock and Others, of Waitaki and Mangaiti. Praying for compensation for losses incurred through the Waihou River Stop-bank Scheme. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered these petitions, and recommends that they be referred to the Government for inquiry ; and the Committee desires to recommend to the Government that a Commission of Inquiry be appointed with the objects of establishing and reporting to the Government on —(1) The extent, if any, of the flood damage ; (2) the cause of such flooding ; (3) what compensation, if any, is due to the land-occupiers of the district affected : such Commission of Inquiry to consist of an independent engineer, the Chairman of the County Council, and a representative of the Public Works Department. Bth October, 1930.

No. 73.—Petition of Arthur Maryon Graham Wanklyn, of Napier, Farmer. Praying for compensation for losses alleged to have been incurred in farming Crown lands, for reinstatement as a Crown tenant, and for other relief. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered this petition, and recommends that it be referred to the Government for consideration, with a view to removing the petitioner's disqualification from taking up Crown or settlement lands for a period of ten years. Bth October, 1930.

Hawke's Bay Rivers Amendment Bill. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered the Hawke's Bay Rivers Amendment Bill, and recommends that, so far as it affects the rights and prerogatives of the Crown, the Bill be allowed to proceed without amendment. 10th October, 1930.

No. I.—Petition of W. E. G. Holland, of Edgecumbe, Farmer. Praying for compensation for losses incurred on the Hereford Park Settlement. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered this petition, and recommends that it be referred to the Government for favourable consideration ; and the Committee desires to suggest to the Government that the Commissioner of Crown Lands at Auckland be instructed to further investigate the case. 10th October, 1930.

No. 70.—Petition of P. J. Kenny and 7 Others, of Pongakawa, Settlers. Praying for an inquiry into the administration of the Waihi swamp lands. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered this petition, and recommends that it be referred to the Government for favourable consideration ; and the Committee desires to recommend to the Government that an inquiry be held and investigation made in the locality affected. 10th October, 1930.

No. 421/1929. —Petition of John Mcßeth and 2 Others, of Puriri Settlement, Gonville, Wanganui. Praying that the capital prices of their workers' dwellings in the Wanganui District be reduced. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered this petition, and has no recommendation to make. The Committee considers that the principle involved in the prayer of this petition affects the whole Dominion; and while, therefore, unable to make any recommendation in these particular cases without affecting workers' dwellings elsewhere, it desires to recommend to the Government that the whole question of workers' dwellings be investigated with a view to deciding what policy of relief is to be adopted in regard to them in the future. The Committee wishes to point out that as the State Advances Department has no agencies, these workers' houses are in many cases falling into disrepair, which further prejudices reletting them. 10th October, 1930.

No. 198. —Petition of J. F. Parker, of 92 River Road, Claudelands, Hamilton. Praying that he be given power to claim a sum of money from the estate of the late Patrick Desmond (deceased), or other relief. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered this petition, and, as the petitioner has not exhausted his legal remedies, has 110 recommendation to make. 10th October, 1930.

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No. 170. —Petition of Margaret Bedell, of Wellington, Widow. Praying for a compassionate allowance in respect of her late husband's losses in farming Crown lands in the Murchison district. [ have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered this petition, and recommends that it be referred to the Government for consideration. 16th October, 1930.

No. 56. —Petition of Clarence Edgar Keene, of Tauranga. Praying for compensation for loss in respect of foreshore rights of removing sand for glassmaking purposes. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered this petition, and has no recommendation to make. 16th October, 1930. [Referred back to Committee, 16th October.]

No. 162.—Petition of John Persson, of Ohirigaiti, Farmer. Praying that he be allowed to receive in full the sum of £400 offered for his returned soldier's farm. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered this petition, and has no recommendation to make. 16th October, 1930.

Waimakariri River Improvement Amendment Bill. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered the Waimakariri River Improvement Amendment Bill, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed with the amendment shown in the copy of the Bill attached. 16tli October, 1930.

No. 231. —Petition of J. G. Donald and 4 Others, of Poerua. Praying that certain restrictions imposed on their small grazing-run leases be removed. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered this petition, and in view of the undertaking given to the petitioners by the Hon. the Minister of Lands that, in the event of the proposed irrigation-works being gone on with, the question of paying compensation for any losses sustained will be sympathetically considered, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 16th October, 1930.

No. 220. —Petition of V. H. K. Perkins, of 5 Hutchison Road, Wellington. Praying for £100 compensation for loss incurred on a property purchased under the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered this petition, and has no recommendation to make. 16th October, 1930.

No. 188.—Petition of Alfred Ward, of Upper Sanatorium, Cashmere Hills, Christchurch. Praying for a compassionate allowance in respect of losses incurred on a farm purchased from the Lands Department. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered this petition, and recommends that it be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 16th October, 1930.

Final Report. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee, consisting of fourteen members, has held thirteen meetings, and that the average attendance at each meeting has been nine members. Twenty-one petitions were referred to the Committee, of which twenty have been considered and reported to the House. Eleven Bills were referred to the Committee, all of which were considered and reported on. J. A. Macpherson, Chairman. 16th October, 1930.

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Special Report. I have the honour to report that at its final meeting, held on Thursday, the 16th day of October, 1930, the Lands Committee unanimously passed the following resolution : " That this Committee place on record its appreciation of the able services rendered throughout the session by Mr. J. A. Macpherson as Chairman of the Committee, and directs that this resolution be recorded on the minutes and reported to the House." W. J. Broadfoot, Member of the Committee. 16th October, 1930.

Special Report. I have the honour to report that at its final meeting on Thursday, the 16th October, the Lands Committee expressed its appreciation of the services rendered by the Clerk, Mr. W. J. Organ, and directed that the resolution be recorded on the minutes and reported to the House. 16th October, 1930.

No. 56. —Petition of Clarence Edgar Keene, of Tauranga. Praying for compensation for loss in respect of foreshore rights to remove sand for glass-making purposes. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has again considered this petition, referred back by order of the House on the 16th October, and recommends that it be referred to the Government for consideration. 22nd October, 1930.

No. 210.—Petition of James Pagan, of Kohatu, Farmer. Praying for compensation or other relief in respect of discharged-soldiers-settlement land formerly held by him at Golden Downs. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has considered this petition, and is of opinion that it should be held over and further considered by the Lands Committee of next session ; and that, in the meanwhile, the petitioner should proceed with his claim for compensation under the Public Works Act. J. A. Macpherson, Chairman. 22nd October, 1930.

Approximate Cod of Paper. —Preparation, not given ; printing (375 copies), £7.

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