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1.—5.

No. 223. —Petition of L. D. Nathan and Another, of Auckland. Petitionees pray that summons issued by Commissioner of Crown Lands at Auckland against John Falloona be discontinued, and that a lease of the site at Waiotapu be granted to them in conjunction with their co-owner. I am directed to report that the Committee, after hearing the Surveyor-General, together with evidence on behalf of the petitioners, are of opinion that the recommendation of the Auckland Land Board should receive favourable consideration at the hands of the Government, and that the prayer of the petitioners be granted. 7th September, 1899.

Nos. 332 and 333.—Petitions of J. J. Boss and 57 Others, of Mamaku and Eotorua. Petitionees pray for grant of money for construction of direct road between Mamaku Eailwaystation and Eotorua Township. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petitions be referred to the Government. 7th September, 1899.

No. 75.—Petition of Feedeeick Bbadfield and 73 Others, of Purekireki and Tahatika. Petitionees pray for assistance to form and metal roads in the Purekireki and Tahatika districts. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government. 7th September, 1899.

No. 344.—Petition of J. C. Baescombe and 330 Others, of Tokatoka, Auckland. Petitionees pray for a grant of £350 for formation of road from Tokatoka Post-office Eoad to railway-line at Bascombe's Creek, and to replace a temporary bridge. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government. 7th September, 1899.

No. 308. —Petition of Eussbll Bates, of Kai Iwi, Opanuki, Auckland. Petitioneb prays for relief in respect of land at Kai Iwi, which he states was overvalued when he selected same. I am directed to report that the petition has been fully dealt with by various Committees since 1890, and, no further evidence having been furnished to this Committee, they are of opinion that petitioner has no claim. 7th September, 1899.

No. 29.—Petition of William Thomas Locke Tbavees, of Wellington. Petitionee prays for inquiry into certain matters in relation to the site of the Wellington College, and for the redress of alleged wrong. The Committee have had under consideration the evidence of Mr. Travers, both that which he gave orally and that which he tendered to the Committee of the Legislative Council. They have also had before them the evidence given by Sir James Hector to the same Committee, and the statements of Mr. Jackson, late Chief Surveyor of the Province of Wellington, before the Eoyal Commission on the University of New. Zealand in the year 1879. The recent establishment of the Victoria College as a permanently affiliated institute of the University appears to call for a revival of the original trust, which had been allowed to remain in abeyance in consequence of the disaffiliation of the Wellington College. The Government is therefore recommended to ascertain whether there is any justification, legal or equitable, or in the interests of higher education, for Mr. Travers's contention; and, if so, that legislation be introduced to give effect to the same. 7th September, 1899.

No. 57. —Petition of Aethue McKeown, of Pihama. Petitioneb prays for relief on account of expenses incurred in connection with litigation with the Public Trustee over a dispute re boundary-fence. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petitioner has no claim. 7th September, 1899.

No. 365.—Petition of John Tait and 3 Others, of Wairoa County. Petitionees pray that a certain clause in a Bill now before the House be not altered, as the clause which it is intended to alter was one that induced the said petitioners to settle on the land. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. Bth September, 1899.

No. 355. —Petition of James Wothebspoon and 28 Others, of Whangaripo, Auckland District. Petitionebs pray that a road be constructed by joining the Whangaripo Valley with the Wayby Road. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. Bth September, 1899.