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

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1934 Session I, I-05

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1934-35. NEW ZEALAND.

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

Laid on the Table of the House of Representatives.

ORDERS OF REFERENCE. Extracts from the Joumals of the House of Representatives. Tuesday, the 10th Day of July, 1934. 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 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 consist of Mr. Connolly, Mr. Dickie, Mr. Hargest, Mr. Langstone, Mr. Macpherson, Mr. J. X. Massey, Mr. Richards, Mr. Savage, Mr. A. Stuart, and the mover."—(Hon. Mr. Ransom.) Thursday, the 26th Day of July, 1934. Ordered, " That all petitions referred to the Public Petitions A to L (Supplementary) Committee and the Public Petitions M to Z (Supplementary) Committee during the session of 1933, and not finally dealt with, be referred to the Public Petitions A to L and M to Z Committees respectively, and that all petitions not finally dealt with during the session of 1933 be again referred to the same Committees they were referred to during the said session." —(Right Hon. Mr. Forbes.) Thursday, the 23rd Day oe August, 1934. Ordered, " That the Lands Committee have leave to sit during the present sitting of the House."- —(Mr. Maopherson.) Friday, the 24th Day of August, 1934. Ordered, " That the report of the Lands Committee on the petitions of H. C. Tipper and others and J. S. Murray and others be referred back to the Committee for further consideration." —(Mr. Savage.) Tuesday, the 4th Day of September, 1934. Ordered, " That the Native Plants Protection Bill be again referred to the Lands Committee."—(Hon. Mr. Ransom.) Wednesday, the 17th Day of October, 1934. Ordered, " That the Mining Amendment Bill be referred to the Lands Committee."—(Hon. Mr. Macmillan.) Thursday, the 21st Day of February, 1935. Ordered, " That the Lands Committee have leave to sit during the present sitting of the House." —(Mr. Macpherson.) Memoranda for the Chairman of the Lands Committee: —• The Bill intituled the Native Plants Protection Bill stands referred to the Lands Committee for report. (25th July, 1934.) The Bill intituled the Education Reserves Amendment Bill stands referred to the Lands Committee for report. (26th July, 1934.) The Bill intituled the New Plymouth Borough Land Exchange and Empowering Bill stands referred to the Lands Committee for report. (9th August, 1934.) The Bill intituled the Wellington City Empowering Bill stands referred to the Lands Committee for report. (18th September, 1934.) The Bill intituled the Auckland Provincial Water Board Bill stands referred to the Lands Committee for report. (17th October, 1934.) The Bill intituled the Noxious Weeds Amendment Bill stands referred to the Lands Committee for report. (18th October, 1934.) The Bill intituled the Reserves and other Lands Disposal Bill stands referred to the Lands Committee for report. (23rd October, 1934.) The Bill intituled the Hutt County Rating Bill stands referred to the Lands Committee for report. (26th October, 1934.) The Bill intituled the Local Legislation Bill stands referred to the Lands Committee for report. (26th October, 1934.)

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INDEX.

REPORTS.

Education Reserves Amendment Bill. 1 have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered the Education Reserves Amendment Bill, and recommends that the Bill be allowed to proceed without amendment. 2nd August, 1934.

No. 85. —Petition of A. Ward, of Christchurch. Praying for compensation in respect of money lost on farm purchased from 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 August, 1934.

No. 79. —Petition of J. 0. Law, of Orini, Earmer. Pkaying for reinstatement on farm, or other relief. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered this petition, and has no recommendation to make. 2nd August, 1934.

No. 176, 1933. —Petition of J. Moynihan, of Auckland. Pbaying for an inquiry into the circumstances of the purchase and loss of his farm. 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. 9th August, 1934.

Native Plants Protection Bill. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered the Native Plants Protection Bill, and recommends that the Bill be allowed to proceed with the amendments shown on the copy thereof hereto annexed. 16th August, 1934.

New Plymouth Borough Land Exchange and Empowering Bill. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered the New Plymouth Borough Land Exchange and Empowering Bill, and recommends that the Bill be allowed to proceed without amendment. 16th August, 1934.

No. Bills and Petitioners. Page. No. Bills and Petitioners. , Page. Auckland Provincial Water Board 5 .. Noxious Weeds Amendment Bill .. 5 Bill 133 O'Neill, P. .. .. .. 4 117 Bennett, W. A., and others .. 4 31V Phillips, T. .. .. .. 5 281 Boylan, W. J. .. .. . . 4 .. Rangitaiki Land Drainage. (See 3 Education Reserves Amendment Bill 2 Tipper, H. C.) Final Report .. .. .6 .. Reserves and other Lands Disposal 4 300 Handley, J., and others .. .. 5 Bill 303 Hine, G. T. .. .. .. 5 261/33 Riches, A. G., and others .. 3 .Hutt County Rating Bill .. 5 .. Special Report re Chairman .. 6 323 -Johnstone, H. .. .. .. 5 .. Special Report re Clerk .. .. 6 79 Law, J. 0. .. .. .. 2 .. Taumarunui Borough Lands. (See 3 Local Legislation Bill .. .. 5 Riches, A. G.) Mining Amendment Bill.. .. 4 256/33 Tipper, H. C., and others (two re- 3 176/33 Moynihan, J. .. .. .. 2 ports) 60 Murray, ,T. S., and others (two re- 3 .. Waimarino Bush Fire Relief Fund. 5 ports) (See Handley, J.) Native Plants Protection Bill (two 2,4 85 Ward, A. .. .. .. 2 reports) .. Wellington City Empowering Bill.. 4 New Plymouth Borough Land Ex- 2 251/33, & 89 Wheeler, H. C... .. .. 4 change and Empowering Bill 174 Williams, S. F. G. .. .. 4 282 Nicklin, L. M. .. .. .. 6 305 Williams, S. E. G. ,. .. 5

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No. 256, 1933. —Petition of H. C. Tipper and 213 Others ; and No. 60: (Supplemental) Petition of J. S. Murray and 258 Others, all of the County of Whakatane. Praying—(l) That the interest and sinking fund charged on the Rangitaiki Land Drainage Scheme be reduced to £7,000 per annum for the unexpired balance of the original term of fifty years ; (2) that the Government refund to the Rangitaiki Drainage Account all rates levied on Native properties which are not paid within two years of demand ; (3) that the Government restore the subsidy of 10s. to the pound on the maintenance costs of the drainage scheme for the balance of the original term of fifty years. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee, having heard evidence and having carefully considered the evidence and the petitions, came to the following decisions in respect of the separate clauses in the prayer of the petition : — (а) In respect of clause (1) of the prayer of the petition the Committee recommends that the interest and sinking fund be reduced to a minimum ; (б) In respect of clause (2) of the prayer of the petition the Committee has no recommendation to make ; (c) In respect of clause (3) of the prayer of the petition the Committee recommends the restoration of the subsidy of 10s. to the pound up till the year 1936-37. The Committee is of opinion that the area comprised in the drainage scheme should be formed into a Drainage District, to be locally controlled. The Committee recommends that this report be referred to the Government for consideration. 24th August, 1934.

No. 256, 1933: Petition of H. C. Tipper and 213 Others ; and No. 60 : (Supplemental) Petition of J. S. Murray and 258 Others, all of the County of Whakatane. Praying—(l) That the interest and sinking fund charged on the Rangitaiki Land Drainage Scheme be reduced to £7,000 per annum for the unexpired balance of the original term of fifty years ; (2) that the Government refund to the Rangitaiki Drainage Account all rates levied on Native properties which are not paid within two years of demand ; (3) that, the Government restore the subsidy of 10s. to the pound on the maintenance costs of the drainage scheme for the balance of the original term of fifty years. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee having, in pursuance of the Order of the House dated the 24th day of August, 1934, further considered these petitions and the evidence thereon, came to the following decisions in respect of the separate clauses of the prayer of the main petition :■ — (a) In respect of clause (1) of the prayer of the petition the Committee recommends that the interest and sinking fund be reduced to a minimum; (b) In respect of clause (2) of the prayer of the petition the Committee has no recommendation to make; (c) In respect of clause (3) of the prayer of the petition the Committee recommends the restoration of the subsidy of 10s. to the pound up till the year 1936-37. The Committee is of opinion that the area comprised in the drainage scheme should be formed into a Drainage District, to be locally controlled. The Committee recommends that this report be referred to the Government for consideration. 31st August, 1934.

No. 261, 1933. —Petition of A. 6. Riches and 48 Others, of Taumarunui. Praying—(l) That the prices to be paid by them for the lands held by them under the deferred-payment system be reduced to conform to the true valuation thereof in the year 1917 ; (2) that the payments already made by the petitioners be credited against such reduced prices as from the date of purchase ; (3) that the petitioners be granted such further relief as may be just and equitable. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee, having carefully considered this petition and the evidence adduced thereon, came to the following decisions : — (a) In respect of clause (1) of the prayer of the petition the Committee has no recommendation to make; (b) The Committee recommends that clause (2) of the prayer of the petition be recommended to the Government for consideration ; (c) The Committee recommends that clause (3) of the prayer of the petition be referred to the Government for most favourable consideration. In respect of this clause the Committee is of opinion that the term for payment of the purchase-moneys should be extended and that the interest charges should be reduced to a minimum. The Committee recommends that this report be referred to the Government for consideration. 31st August, 1934.

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Native Plants Protection Bill. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered the Native Plants Protection Bill, which was again referred to the Committee by Order of the House dated the 4th day of September, 1934. The Committee recommends that the Bill be allowed to proceed with the amendments shown on the copy of the Bill hereto annexed. 6th September, 1934.

No. 138.—Petition of P. O'Neill, of Mangatiti, Farmer. Praying that he be granted a loan of £1,000 to occupy and stock certain Crown land, or 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 the petitioner being reinstated on the land referred to, subject to the petitioner making satisfactory financial arrangements for stocking and improvements. 6th September, 1934.

No. 117. —Petition of W. A. Bennett and 22 Others, of Glenham Settlement, Southland. Praying that the annual rentals of the sections included in the Glenham Settlement be reduced by 25 per centum. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered this petition, and has no» recommendation to make. 6th September, 1934.

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. 27th September, 1934.

Nos. 251, 1933, and 89.—Petition of H. C. Wheeler, of Muriwai Beach, Kaipara, Farmer. Praying for compensation for loss of £2,843 allegedly due to erroneous valuation of his land by the Valuation Department. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered this petition, and has no recommendation to make. 27th September, 1934.

No. 174. —Petition of S. F. G. Williams, of Runciman, Farmer. Praying for compensation for alleged wrongful charge against him. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered this petition, and has no recommendation to make. 27th September, 1934.

Mining Amendment Bill. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered the Mining Amendment Bill, and recommends that the Bill be allowed to proceed without amendment. 18th October, 1934.

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 amendments shown in the copy of the Bill hereto attached. 24th October, 1934.

No. 281. —Petition of W. J. Boylan, of Kohimarama, Auckland. Praying for a grant of £155 as a refund of excess rates paid by him through alleged overvaluation of property by the Valuation 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 consideration. 24th October, 1934.

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Auckland Provincial Water Board Bill. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has considered the Auckland Provincial Water Board Bill, and, in view of the report of the Local Bills Committee which heard evidence at length on the Bill and of the necessity for alteration in clauses affecting the lands of the Crown, recommends that the Bill be not allowed to proceed this session. 24th October, 1934.

Noxious Weeds Amendment Bill. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered the Noxious Weeds Amendment Bill, and recommends that, so far as it affects the lands of the Crown or educational or other public reserves, the Bill be allowed to proceed without amendment. 24th October, 1934.

Hutt County Rating Bill. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered the Hutt County Rating Bill, and recommends that the Bill be not allowed to proceed this session. 30tli October, 1934.

Local Legislation Bill. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered the Local Legislation Bill, and recommends that the Bill be allowed to proceed. 30th October, 1934.

No. 305.—Petition of S. F. G. Williams, of Runciman. Praying for compensation for alleged loss of capital invested in a farm acquired 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. 21st February, 1935.

No. 323.—Petition of H. Johnstone, of Avondale. Praying for compensation or other relief in respect of £450 advanced by him to two returned soldiers. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered this petition, and has no recommendation to make. 28th February, 1935.

No. 303. —Petition of G. T. Hine, -of Te Puke, Farmer. Praying that the mortgagee be prevented from exercising powers of sale in respect of his property, and for other relief. I have the honour to report that, the member presenting this petition having informed the Committee that he desires to withdraw the petition, the Lands Committee recommends that the member have leave to withdraw the same. 7th March, 1935.

No. 317. —Petition of T. Phillips, of Reefton, Barrister and Solicitor. Praying for compensation for the loss of his property, and for other relief. I have the honour to report that, the member presenting this petition having informed the Committee that he desires to withdraw the petition, the Lands Committee recommends that the member have leave to withdraw the same. 7th March, 1935.

No. 300.—Petition of J. Handley and 8 Others, of Waimarino County. Praying that they be released from liability for repayment of advances made to them from the Waimarino Bush Eire Relief Fund. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee, having heard the evidence and carefully considered this petition, sympathizes with the petitioners in the difficult conditions they were called upon to face and appreciates their efforts to meet their obligations. The Committee recommends that the petition be referred to the Government for most favourable consideration. 28th March, 1935.

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No. 282. —Petition of L. M. Nicklin, of Te Puke. Praying for an inquiry into the circumstances of the loss of his farm at Putaruru, and for redress. I have the honour to report that' the Lands Committee has carefully considered this petition, and has no recommendation to make. J. A. Macpherson, Chairman. 28th March, 1935.

Special Report. I have the honour to report that at its final meeting the Lands Committee unanimously passed the following resolution: "That this Committee places on record its appreciation of the care, ability, and tact with which the Chairman, Mr. Macpherson, has conducted the business of the Committee throughout the session, and directs that this resolution be reported to the House." F. Langstone, a Member of the Committee. 28th March, 1935.

Special Report. I have the honour to report that at its final meeting the Lands Committee expressed by resolution its appreciation of the services rendered to the Committee by the Clerk, Mr. W. J. Organ, and directed that the resolution be reported to the House. 28th March, 1935.

Final Report. I have the honour to report that during the session the Lands Committee, consisting of ten members, has held sixteen meetings, with an average attendance of seven members. Eleven Bills and twenty-four petitions were referred to the Committee. All the Bills have been considered and reported on; nineteen petitions were heard and reported on, while five, which were presented too late to allow of the necessary reports and information being obtained by the Committee, have been held over. J. A. Macpherson, Chairman. 28th March, 1935.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (300 copies), £5 10s.

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