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Sess. 11.—1891. NEW ZEALAND.

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

ORDER OP REFERENCE. Extract from the Journals of the House of Representatives. Fbiday, the 12th Day of June, 1891. Ordered, " That a Committee be appointed, consisting of ten members, to consider all Bills and petitions that may be introduced into this House affecting the waste lands of the Crown, and to report generally on the principles and provisions which they contain, with power to confer and sit together with any similar Committee which may be appointed by the Legislative Council, and to agree to a joint or separate report; the Committee to have power to call for persons, papers, and records ; three to be a quorum. The Committee to consist of the Hon. Mr. Richardson, Mr. Duncan, Mr. W. C. Smith, Mr. Rhodes, Mr. Meredith, Mr. C. H. Mills, Mr. R. Thompson, Mr. Macintosh, Mr. Hogg, and the mover." —(Hon. Mr. J. McKenzie.) [Name of Hon. Mr. Rolleston added 21st July.]

Nos. 3 and 19, Sess. I. —Petitions of Captain M. Slattery and Lieutenant C. E. Huest. Nos. 6, 18, 24, 33, 46, 58, and 69, Sess. ll.— Petitions of W. Holliday and 10 Others, Maby Claekson, W. Timms, W. Clarke and 2 Others, James Peabce, Maby Ann Pye, and F. H. Eevell and 5 Others. Petitioners pray that grants of land may be given to them for military services performed by them or their deceased husbands during the Maori wars. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that these nine petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration. 23rd June, 1891.

No. 67, Sess. ll.—Petition of John W. Mathews. Petitioner prays for inquiry as to loss sustained by him through technicalities in the Native land laws. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Native Affairs Committee. 30th June, 1891.

No. 45, Sess. ll.—Petition of James Hazlett and Eobeet Glendining. Petitioners pray for legislation enacting that " The Public Works Act Amendment Act, 1889," shall not apply to the Shag Point Eailway. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that, in order to develop other coal-mines in the district, it is absolutely necessary that the Eailway Commissioners should have full control over the Shag Point Branch Eailway. The Committee therefore recommend that the Government should forthwith purchase the interest of the proprietors in this branch line at its present value, such value to be ascertained by arbitration. 3rd July, 1891.

No. 13, Sess. ll.—Petition of E. W. Bichbaum and 60 Others. Petitioners pray that the Government may purchase land at Pleasant Point, or its neighbourhood and establish a special settlement thereon for bond fide working-men. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 7th July, 1891. I—l. 5.

REPORTS OF WASTE LANDS COMMITTEE. (Mr. B. THOMPSON, CHAIRMAN.)