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No. 868. —Petition of C. H. Irvine, of Hokianga, and 16 Others. Petitioners pray that the Government grant them access to their sections in Whangape Survey District. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 2nd November, 1904.

No. 917. -Petition of Thomas Bell, of Matakitaki, and 62 Others. Petitioners pray that a footbridge be erected over the Matakitaki River. 1 am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 4th November, 1904.

No. 35. —Petition of J. J. Clark, of Daimevirke. Petitioner prays thai a just and adequate sum be paid him for services rendered in the Defence Department. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of this petition is now under the consideration of the Imperial authorities, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition, together with a copy of the evidence taken thereon, should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration, in terms of the recommendation of last year ; and, further, that the evidence be printed. (Vide Appendix also 1.-Ik.) 4th November, 1904.

No. 409. —Petition of James Douglas, of Queenstown, and 26 Others. Petitioners pray that compensation be granted them for loss sustained by the enforced sale of the property known as the Wakatipu Steam Shipping Company to the New Zealand Government. I am directed to report that the Committee has made full inquiry into the purchase of the Wakatipu Steam Shipping Company, and, after hearing the evidence of Dr. J. Douglas and Captain Wing on behalf of the petitioners, and that of Mr. C. A. Piper and Captain Post on behalf of the Railway Department, the Committee is of opinion that full value was paid by the Government. The Committee therefore has no recommendation to make upon this petition, further than to recommend that the evidence be printed. (Vide Appendix also 1.-lc.) 4th November, 1904.

No. 933. —Petition of A. R. Edwards, of Nelson, and 24 Others. Petitioners pray that £100 be granted for bridle-track up the Graham River. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 4th November, 1904.

* \ : os 87 and 88, 1903.—Petitions of W. J. Hunt, of Wellington, and A. Lindsay and 8 Others, of Wellington. Petitioners pray that compensation be granted W. J. Hunt for loss of timber rights in the Ngarara Block. I am directed to report that, owing to the indisposition of Sir A. J. Cadman, an essential witness, the consideration of these petitions is unavoidably postponed till next session. 4th November, 1904.

Final Report. I am directed by the Committee to report, — 1. That during the session the Committee has held twenty-one meetings. 2. That the Committee received 201 petitions for consideration. 3. That twenty-one petitions were referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 4. That twenty-eight petitions were referred to the Government for consideration. 5. That 144 petitions received no recommendation. 6. That six petitions were referred to other Committees. 7. That two petitions were held over till next session. 8. That the Committee desires to place on record its appreciation of the valuable services of Mr. H. Langford as Secretary, and of the painstaking and intelligent way in which he carried out his duties, and requests the Chairman to convey such resolution to the Ministry. sth November, 1904. Apfrroximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, not given ; printing (1,250 copies), i>6 6s.

By Authority: John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9o4, Price 6d.]