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No. 338.—Petition of Gilbert Mair and 4 Others, of Waiotapu. Praying for an extension of the term of their pastoral leases in the Rotorua District, and compensation for improvements. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee, as the subject-matter of the petition is now being dealt with by the Government, the petition should be referred to it for consideration. 22nd October, 1912.

No. 27.—Petition of Charles de St Croix, of Coromandel. Praying for a refund of money paid for kauri timber growing on his section, Hauraki, and the cancellation of the balance of liability thereon. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 22nd October, 1912.

No. 286.—Petition of C. R. Edgecombe and 11 Others, of Manawaangiangi, Porangahau, Hawke'sßay. Praying for the deduction of the " thirds " from the purchase-money of the Manawaangiangi Block. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government, as legislation is required to give effect to the prayer of the petitioners. 22nd October, 1912.

No. 334. —Petition of James David Gollan, of Dannevirke. Praying for compensation for loss suffered through loss of tenancy of the Te Whitiatara Block purchased by the Native Land Purchase Board. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make on this petition. 29th October, 1912.

Public Reserves and Domains Amendment Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Public Reserves and Domains Amendment Bill, have the honour to report that they have carefully considered the same, and recommend that it be allowed to proceed without amendment. 29th October, 1912.

No. 115.—Petition of A. R. Wallis and Others, of Southland. Praying for an inquiry into certain sawmill areas in Southland, and that the law be amended to allow for an appeal to the Supreme Court as to the validity of the titles thereto. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government with a recommendation that the prayer of the petitioners be granted. The minutes of evidence are attached hereto. (Vide Paper 1.-5c.) 31st October, 1912.

No. 295.—Petition of R. F. Henderson and Others, of Oxford. Praying for relief in connection with their tenancy of Run 222, Oxford. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration, with a recommendation that provision be made in the Reserves and other Lands Disposal and Public Bodies Leasing Bill giving power to the Land Board to deal with any claim the petitioners may have. 31st October, 1912.

Opunake Harbour Amendment Bill. The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the Opunake Harbour Amendment Bill, have the honour to report that they have carefully considered the same, and recommend that it be allowed to proceed as amended by the Local Bills Committee. 31st October, 1912.

Report on Paper No. 226 C, "Details in connection with the Purchase and Fencing of Part of Runanga No. 1a Block." The Lands Committee, to whom was referred the above parliamentary paper, have the honour to report that during the course of the inquiry they examined the following witnesses :— J. Strauchon, Under-Secretary for Lands ; H. A. Walshe, Assistant-Surveyor, Lands Department; W. C. Kensington, 1.5.0., late Under-Secretary for Lands; R. Keene, Land Agent, Wellington ; R. Beere, Solicitor, Wellington ; F. J. Taylor, Settler, Runanga; T. Ballan, Christchurch ; and A. Patterson, Accountant, Lands Department.