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No. 469. —Petition of James Pollock and 59 Others, Wendonside. Petitioners pray that the land held by the Otago School Commissioners should be administered by the Waste Lauds Board. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government with a request that inquiry be made as to the class of leases granted to tenants under public bodies, with a view to introducing a uniform system. Ist October, 1903.

Public Domains Act Amendment Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Public Domains Act Amendment Bill, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the said Bill, and it recommends that the same be allowed to proceed, with the amendments shown in the copy attached hereto. 2nd October, 1903.

Ceown Geants Act Amendment Bill (No. 2). The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Crown Grants Act Amendment Bill (No. 2), has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the said Bill, and it recommends that the same be allowed to proceed without amendment. Bth October, 1903.

Ceown Tenants' Bent Bebate Act Amendment Bill. THE.Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Crown Tenants' Bent Bebate Act Amendment Bill, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the said Bill, and it recommends that the same be allowed to proceed, with the amendment shown in the copy attached hereto. Bth October, 1903.

No. 649. —Petition of S. C. Hughes, Shelly Beach Eoad, Auckland. Petitioner prays for reinstatement and confirmation of title to certain land. I am directed to report that the Committee is satisfied that the petitioner, Mr. Hughes, has established a just and equitable claim to the section of land described in his petition, and recommends the Government to give legislative effect as early as possible to the prayer of the petition. 9th October, 1903.

No. 768.—Petition of Alexander Campbell, Dunedin. Petitioner prays for compensation for loss of land. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to Government for favourable consideration. 27th October, 1903.

No. 713. —Petition of John James Pilkington, School-teacher, Porirua. Petitioner prays that clause 22 of the Land Act Amendment Bill be not passed. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the prayer of the petition be considered in connection with amending land legislation. 4th November, 1903.

No. 752. —Petition of P. L. Haknett, Laud Agent, ana M. McCauley, Farmer, Lower Hutt. Petitioners pray that an arrangement for the sale of part of the Western Hutt Estate be carried out, and that certain money be paid petitioners. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 4th November, 1903.

No. 439. —Petition of C. Lasson and Others, Settlers, of Waiowaka. Petitioners pray that a frontage be granted them. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 13th November, 1903.

No. 656. —Petition of Arthur McKeown, Parmer, Pihama. Petitioner prays for compensation for legal expenses paid owing to the action of the Public Trustee. I am directed to report that the Committee is of opinion that, although the petitioner has no claim against the colony, at least a portion of the costs he incurred should, under the circumstances, be recouped out of the funds in the hands of the Public Trustee under the West Coast Settlements Act. 13th November, 1903.

Land Act Amendment Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Lands Act Amendment Bill, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the said Bill, and it recommends that the same be allowed to proceed, with the amendments shown in the copy attached hereto. 13th November, 1903.