1.—5

6

No. 589. —Petition of Patrick Haggarty, Kimbolton. Petitioner prays for a section of land in exchange for another given him for service as a British soldier. I am directed to report that the Committee has "no recommendation to make. 18th November, 1903.

No. 648.—Petition of George Ogle and Others, Tauhoa. Petitionees pray for a grant of £200 for the Te Pahi-Tauhou Boad. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 18th November, 1903.

No 665.—Petition of William Robertson, Sandymount. Petitioner prays for compensation for land taken for roads. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 18th November, 1903.

No. 668. —Petition of Geoege Waed Deafer, Milton. Petitionee prays for relief in connection with the closing of a road. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 18th November, 1903.

No. 676. —Petition of E. M. Masters and Others, Kaitaia. Petitionees pray for a grant of £2,000 for metalling the main road to Kaitaia Butter-factory. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 18th November, 1903.

No. 681. —Petition of A. P. Matthews, Gisborne. Petitionee prays for settlement of claim for £386 4s. 2d., for triangulation work. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 18th November, 1903.

No. 685. —Petition of Josiah Hudson and Others, Dome Valley, Warkworth. Petitionees pray for a grant of £500 for the Warkworth-Tauhoa Boad. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 18th November, 1903.

Nos. 722 and 812.—Petitions of J. L. Edson and 32 Others and T. A. Ceaven and 35 Others, Tokatoka. Petitionees pray for a grant of money to more effectually drain the Tokatoka Swamp, and for inquiry into the manner in which the work has been carried out. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that petitions be forwarded to Government with a recommendation that inquiry be made into the manner in which the drainageworks have been constructed, with the view of adjusting the liability of the settlers and placing the works in a state of repair previous to handing them over to the local authority. 18th November, 1903.

Nos. 732 and 733. —Petitions of Hoeace Hammond and Others and A. Shostecm and Others, Davgaville. Petitioners pray that no more Crown lands be sold. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the petitions be referred to the Government. 18th November, 1903.

No. 821.—Petitions of M. McCaeth* and Others, Brighton. Petitionees pray that restrictions should be removed from a block of land in Brighton District. I am directed to report that the Committee considers that, subject to the approval of the Warden, the land should be made available for settlement as soon as possible. 18th November, 1903.

Land-ballot System. Youe Committee, having carefully considered the reports and suggestions of the Surveyor-General and Commissioners of Crown Lands on the land-ballot system, has the honour to recommend, — 1. That the Land Boards should be required and empowered to make full inquiry in the case of every applicant with regard to the following matters : (1) Experience, needs, requirements, and