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No. 257.—Petition of Thomas Bell. Praying for the issue of a title in fee-simple to Sunday Island, by virtue of his occupancy for period of twenty-three years. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 26th September, 1917.

Parliamentary Paper No. 280. Application by Otautau Timber Company, of Invercargill, for issue of timber license in respect of sawmill area 606 a, Extended Block VI, Jacobs River Hundred, prescribing royalties at rates ruling when their application was originally lodged in lieu of rates at present fixed by regulation. I am directed to report that the Lands Committee, to which was referred the above parliamentary paper, has no recommendation to make. 26th September, 1917.

No. 238. —Petition of Leyland-O'Biuen Timber Company (Limited). Praying for a further extension of the period of license to cut timber on Blocks 2, 6, and 7, Tairua Survey District (Stony Creek), County of Thames, owing to adverse circumstances of getting timber to the mills and restricted operations since the declaration of war. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. Your Committee recommends to the Government that the system of sale by the Crown of timber far beyond the capacity of the buyer working the same within a reasonable period be discontinued.

Tauranga Harbour Amendment and Foreshore Vesting Bill. The Lands Committee, to which was referred the above Bill, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered same, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed as amended. 26th September, 1917.

No. 92.—Petition of Esther Ann Spurrell. Praying that inquiry be made into certain transactions in connection with the conveyance of Section 11, Ruataniwha Survey District, and transfer of Waikopiro B No. 16 Block to Lizzie Susan Holden, whereby through petitioner's ignorance an injustice was done her, and that legislation be passed cancelling such conveyance and transfer of the said land to the said Lizzie Susan Holden. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for inquiry into the allegation of dummvism as stated in petition. 3rd October, 1917.

No. 222. —Petition of John Holdswortii. Praying that he be recompensed out of the public funds of the Dominion the sum of £2,563, with interest, in respect of alleged loss of land (932 acres 1 rood perches, part of Waihoku Block No. 2563), ascertained by resurvev made in 1909. as per plans deposited in Land Transfer Office at Gisborne, Nos. 1562 and 1583! I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 3rd October, 1917. '

Wairoa Harbour Board Endowment Bill. The Lands Committee, to which was referred the above-mentioned Bill, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and recommends that it be not allowed to proceed. 3rd October, 1917.

Foxton Harbour Board Amendment Bill. The Lands Committee, to which was referred the above-mentioned Bill, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed as amended by the Local Bills Committee. 3rd October, 1917.

Napier High School Empowering Bill. The Lands Committee. In which was referred the above-mentioned Bill, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and recommends that it lie allowed to proceed «s amended by the Local Bills Committee. 3r . October. 1917.

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