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No. 245.—Petition of John Fitzgerald, Mangahua. Petitioner prays compensation for loss sustained by the flooding of his land caused by the erection of a railway-bridge and embankment. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that this petition be referred to the Railways Committee for consideration. 14th December, 1897.

No. 277.—Petition of Henry Worthington and Others, Whangarei. Petitioners pray that the sum of £500 may be granted to open up and form a road known as the Maungaturoto and Waikiekie Road. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that this petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 15th December, 1897.

No. 243. —Petition of Eichard O'Donovan and Others, New Plymouth. Petitioners pray,— (1) That the leases of bush land held under the West Coast Settlement Reserves Act be converted into leases in perpetuity; (2) that revenue be set apart during the early years of settlement under said Act for the making and improvement of roads. I am directed to report that the Committee do not consider the pstitioners have any claim a3 against the trust; but from evidence given to the Committee they are led to ths conclusion that the petitioners might attain their object in respect of roads by an extension of the oparations of the Loans to Local Bodies Act. 15th December, 1897.

No. 34.—Petition of A. Nicholson and Others, Okaihau. Petitioners pray that the sum of £250 be granted by the Government to assist in making a road between Okaihau and Kerikeri. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that this petition be referred to the Government for consideration. 15th December, 1897.

No. 316. —Petition of Jambs Lambert, Maharahara, Woodville. Petitioner prays for compensation for loss sustained by severance of his land and extra fencing, caused by the Government taking a railway through his property. I am directed to report that the Committee, having already recommended a similar petition irom the same person in 1894 to the favourable consideration of the Government, recommend the department to deal equitably with the petitioner's claim: Provided he has not already received due consideration in respect of severance and fencing of his land. 15th December, 1897.

No. 244. —Petition of William Scarlett and Others. Petitioners state they are tenants of the Crown on the Pomahaka Estate. They pray for a reduction of their rents. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion, from evidence received, that the circumstances of the petitioners, and of the rents paid by them, show that a full investigation should be undertaken by the Government forthwith. 16th December, 1897.

No. 310. —Petition of Hibebnia Smyth. Petitioner prays that a road may be made connecting his land with the Henderson Valley Boad. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make upon this petition. 16th December, 1897.

No. 220. —Petition of John Wilkinson, Shannon. Petitioner prays redress for loss of survey-fee—£4s—through alleged mistake of the officers of the Native Land Court. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Native Affairs Committee for consideration. 16th December, 1897. Approximate Goat of Paper. —Preparation, not given; printing (1,250 copies), £3.

By Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB97. Price 6d.]

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