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No. 84. —Petition of Madeline Eobinson. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the above petition, praying for access to her property, have directed me to report that it is the duty of the Government, in disposing of the waste lands of the Crown, to see that due provision is made for access to such land, and, inasmuch as that, in the case of the petitioner, such duty has been neglected, the Committee are of opinion that the Government should take such action as may be necessary in order to secure a right of access to the petitioner's land. 23rd August, 1881.

No. 179.—Petition of W J Haeeison. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the above petition, complaining of excessive rent demanded by the Waste Lands Board, Otago, and praying for relief, have directed me to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petitioner has no claim. 23rd August, 1881.

No. 291. —Petition of John Beatee. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the above petition, praying for inquiry as to his being refused scrip in lieu of passage-money, have directed me to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petitioner has no claim. 23rd August, 1881.

No. 255.—Petition of W Caepenteb and Others. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the above petition, praying for an inquiry into the titles of certain timber leases, have directed me to report that the Committee do not see their way to recommend any interference, and recommend the petitioners, if they feel aggrieved, to take such steps as they may be advised to.test the validity of the leases. 23rd August, 1881.

Nos. 266 and 308.—Petition of E. McKenna and James Delahey. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom were referred the above petitions, praying for grants of land in consideration of Volunteer and other military services, have directed me to report that, with reference to a large number of petitions which have been referred to this Committee, and which relate to alleged grievances and land claims of long standing, a proper investigation into such claims and grievances involves an amount of research which it is impossible for this Committee to bestow The Committee are therefore of opinion that all such petitions, arising out of circumstances which have occurred prior to the commencement of the present Parliament, should be inquired into by the Government during the recess. 23rd August, 1881.

No. 298.—Petition of M. E. Manuel and Others. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the above petition, praying that land may be opened on the deferred-payment system, have directed me to report that, as the Government are now dealing with the subject-matter referred to in this petition, the petition be referred to the Government for their consideration. 23rd August, 1881.

No. 299. —Petition of Andbew Watt and Others. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the above petition, praying to be placed on an equal footing with fellow-settlers, and craving some rebate or reduction in their rents, have directed me to report that the Committee cannot recommend that the prayer of the petitioners be entertained.! 23rd August, 1881.

No. 277.—Petition of J P Stanbtjby. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the above petition, praying for a refund of costs he was put to in defending an action which was caused by the Survey Department altering the boundary of his land, have directed me to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner should in the first instance have applied to the Executive Government for redress ; as he has not done so, that the matter be referred to the Government. 31st August, 1881.

Nos. 269, 275, 335. —Petitions of Chaeles Mainwaring, Haeeison Gibson, Michael Mttneo. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom were referred the above petitions, praying for grants of land as discharged military or naval officers, &c, have directed me to report that, with reference to a large number of petitions which have been referred to this Committee, and which relate to alleged grievances and land claims of long standing, a proper investigation into such claims and grievances involves an amount of research which it is impossible for this Committee to bestow The Committee are therefore of opinion that all such petitions, arising out of circumstances which have occurred prior to the commencement of the present Parliament, [should be inquired into by the Government during the recess. 31st August, 1881.