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The Waste Lands Committee, to whom this petition was referred for consideration, have the honour to report that, in their opinion, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. Bth August, 1889.

No. 61. Petition of Thomas Millett. The petitioner states that in the year 1864, prior to his emigrating to New Zealand, he purchased two land-grants for that colony in London ; that since his arrival he has been promised the land, but has not been given it. He prays that the land be now given to him. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom this petition has been referred for consideration, have the honour to report that, in their opinion, the petitioner has failed to establish any claim against the colony. Bth August, 1889. .

Prospecting for Minerals on Pastoral Holdings outside the Bounds of Mining Districts, both generally and with spe.cial relation to the runs in canterbury, the leases of which have recently been disposed of. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom this matter has been referred for consideration, have the honour to report that, the Hon. Minister of Lands having answered this question in the House of Representatives on the 17th July last, they have no recommendation to make thereon. Bth August, 1889.

The Public Reserves Act Amendment Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the above Bill, have the honour to report that they have duly considered the same. They recommend that the Bill be allowed to proceed. 15th August, 1889.

No. 217. —Petition of Sir Robert Stout and 214 Others. The petitioners state that they are desirous of forming a Co-operative Land-settlement Company, and to obtain Crown lands either on lease or by purchase for the purpose. They pray that such maybe set apart under the special-settlement provisions of " The Land Act, 1885." The Waste Lands Committee, to whom this petition was referred for consideration, have the honour to report that they cannot recommend that the special terms sought for in the petition be granted, but that the petitioners be recommended, if they think proper, to apply for some specific block of land, forwarding a sketch-plan therewith, and applying for it under the provisions of " The Land Act, 1885." 15th August, 1889.

No. 194.—Petition of James Atkinson. The petitioner states that in the year 1852 he purchased fifty acres of land and subsequently fifty acres adjoining, both sections having a frontage on the left bank of the Wanganui River ; that during his absence from Wanganui the Government sold 28f acres of his river frontage to another person. He prays for compensation and a new grant of land. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the report of the Waste Lands Committee in July, 1888, on a similar petition from the same petitioner, should be reaffirmed— viz., that the facts alleged in the petition are contrary to the evidence before the Committee, and therefore the petitioner has no claim upon the colony. ] sth August, 1889.

No. 288. —Petition of George McLean. The petitioner states he purchased from Captain McDonnell a section of land in the Patea Survey District, which section was originally a grant to one Katene; that he has been refused a title to the said section on the grounds that Katene had become a rebel; that in the year 1886 a Bill was introduced in the House of Representatives legalising his title, but it was thrown out by the Legislative Council. He prays that a title 'to the section be now granted to him. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the report of the Waste Lands Committee of 17th August, 1888, on a similar petition from same petitioner, be reaffirmed—viz., the Committee recommend that the Covermnent should take the necessary steps to convey to the petitioner the property claimed by him. 22nd August, 1889.

No. 363. —Petition of William Cowern. The petitioner states that in July, 1885, lie sold a certain block of land called Kaitangiwhenua to the Government; that said block contained a smaller block named Kerikerirua ; that by the conditions of the sale the smaller block was to be reconveyed to the petitioner after the sale; that the said latter agreement has not been carried out; that the Waste Lands Committee in 1885, and again in 1886, reported in petitioner's favour to the House, but the present Government decline to entertain his claim. He prays for relief. I am directed to report tljat the Committee are of opinion that the report of the Waste Lands Committee in August, 1885, on a similar petition from the same petitioner, should be reaffirmed viz., that the petitioner has a just claim against the Government for reasonable compensation for the evident loss he has suffered in this matter. 22nd August, 1889.