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No. 124.—Petition of Thomas Evans and Others, of Motueka River. Petitioners, who are owners and occupiers of land on the banks of the Motueka River, pray that no dredging may take place in the bed of the river. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Goldfields and Mines Committee. 31st July, 1900.

No. 134.—Petition of Aethur McKeown, of Pihama, Taranaki. Petitioner prays for relief in connection with costs incurred in a case against the Public Trustee. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 31st July, 1900.

No. 155.—Petition of Habding and Adams and Others, of Pahiatua County. Petitioners state that the road past their holdings was originally 3 chains wide, and, with the permission of the local authority, they have fenced in a portion of the road-line and improved the land so enclosed with buildings, &c. They ask that steps be taken to enable them to purchase the land so improved. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend the petition to the favourable consideration of the Government. 31st July, 1900.

No. 50. —Petition of R. Beenan and Others, of Te Aroha West. Petitionebs pray for a refund of an overplus of rents, amounting to Is. 6d. per acre per annum, paid on suburban sections adjacent to the Government freehold of Te Aroha West since 1886. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend the petition to the favourable consideration of the Government. 31st July, 1900. . •

No. 156.—Petition of Richabd Campbell Ellis, of Belgrove, Nelson District. (Report No. 1.) Petitionee prays that he may receive compensation for a deficiency in the area of land held by him under his several titles. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the report of last year on the same petition be adopted, viz. : " That Mr. Ellis has established his claim to compensation from the Government in respect of the deficiency in acreage in the land purchased and paid for by him, and that the Committee recommend the petition to the favourable consideration of the Government." 2nd August, 1900.

No. 138. —Petition of John Old, of Awakino East Survey District. Petitioner alleges that because of the error in the published selection map of lands in the Awakino East district he is deprived of a portion of his frontage to the Awakino River. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the report of last year on the same petition be adopted, viz. : " That the Committee consider that a claim for consideration has been established, and that the extent of such consideration should be decided by arbitration, or such other way as the Government may decide, in the event of the Government being unable to secure the land to the petitioner." 2nd August, 1900.

Nos. 180, 181, and 182.—Petitions of Alexander McKay and 33 Others, G. Wilkinson and 19 Others, and Robert Wells and 16 Others. Petitionbes pray that they may be granted the sum of £2,000 for the purpose of repairing and metalling Fairburn's Road from Mangonui to Adamson's Bridge. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend the petitions be referred to the Government for consideration. Bth August, 1900.

No. 183.—Petition of W. F. Parsons and 79 Others, of Ruapekapeka and Hukerenui. Petitioners pray that the sum of £300 may be placed on the estimates for the purpose of forming and bridging the Hukerenui South-Waiota Valley Road. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. Bth August, 1900.

No. 174.—Petition of T. W. P. Smith and 124 Others, of Kaitaia. Petitioners pray that the sum of £7,000 may be placed on the estimates for the purpose of metalline the main road from Kataia to the Port of Awanui, and from Awanui to the West Coast. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. Bth August, 1900.