I.—4a,

1885. NEW ZEALAND.

WASTE LANDS COMMITTEE (REPORT OF), ON ALLEGED BREACHES OF SECTION 67, "THE LAND ACT 1877 AMENDMENT ACT, 1882," TOGETHER WITH MINUTES OF EVIDENCE.

Brought up 18th August, 1885, and ordered to be printed.

ORDER OF REFERENCE. Extract from the Journals of the House of Representatives. Wednesday, the 15th Day op July, 1885. Ordered, " That it be remitted to the Waste Lands Committee to consider and report on the working of clause 67 of "The Land Act 1877 Amendment Act, 188.2," and as to any breaches of the said clause, and that all correspondence between the Minister of Lands and the Waste Lands Commissioners regarding such alleged breaches be referred to the said Committee." — (Mr. J. McKenzie.)

EEPOET. The Waste Lands Committee, having been directed by the House to consider and report on the working of clause 67 of " The Land Act 1877 Amendment Act, 1882," and as to any breaches of the said clause, have the honour to report as follows : — That it is the opinion of this Committee, from the evidence before it, —■ 1. That the spirit of the 67th section of "The Land Act 1877 Amendment Act, 1882," is being evaded, and the intention of the Legislature to prevent the monopoly of large areas of pastoral country is being defeated, and this Committee would recommend that the Government should provide against the same by further legislation. 2. That the Government should cause further inquiry to be made by the Land Boards with a view to put a stop to evasions of the land laws. A. P. O'Callaghan, 18th August, 1885. Chairman.

MINUTES OF EVIDENCE.

Friday, 31st July, 1885. (Mr. A. P. O'Callaghan, M.H.E., Chairman.) Hon. Mr. Campbell examined. 1. The Chairman.] You are a representative, Mr. Campbell, of the firm of Eobert Campbell and Sons ? —I am managing director of the company. 2. Are you aware of the general transactions of the company with reference to transfer of leases and other business of the company transacted in Otago ?—Yes. 3. You are aware of the leases held by the company previously to the Land Act Amendment Act of 1882 being passed ?—Yes. 4. I dare say you are aware of any transactions since with reference to any transfer of leases ? —Yes. 5. Mr. J. McKcnzis.] Will you state the area of country your firm held at the passing of the Land Act of 1882 ? —I could not tell you exactly. — _ 6. The official records give it at 608,997 acres ?—Do you mean actual leaseholds ? 7. Yes, leaseholds ?—Are you referring to Canterbury or Otago ? I should think that would be about the total area.