1.—5

5

No. 201. —Petition of John Bendall. Praying that he be issued a title to Block 367, Parish of Waikumcte, as marked on original survey made by the Government surveyor. 1 am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 17th October, 1917.

No. 235. —Petition of C. Phil Smith and 70 Others. Praying that a Commission be set up to inquire fully into the question of the recent rise in the unimproved value of land within the Borough of Tauuiarunui, or that the Valuation Department be instructed to send an officer, other than'the official who made the new valuation, to meet the ratepayers with a view to a satisfactory adjustment of values. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 17th October, 1917.

No. 417. —Petition of Dunedin Chamber oe Commerce and Otago Expansion League, and 12 similar Petitions (as per Schedule attached). Praying that a Commission be appointed to inquire into the question of bringing the pastoral lands of Otago, which under present tenure are seriously deteriorating, into a more productive condition, and so further the increase of settlement. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee the Government be strongly recommended to set up a Commission to inquire into the question of bringing the pastoral-lands of Otago, which under present tenure are seriously deteriorating, into a more productive condition, and so further the increase of settlement. 17th October, 19.17. Schedule. No. 472. —Borough of Clyde. No. 473. —Otago Expansion League (Upper Clutha No. 471.—Corporation of Dunedin. Branch). No. 453. —Cromwell Borough Council. No. 463. —Otago Harhour Hoard. No. 450.—Dunedin Manufacturer.' Association. No. 432.—0tag0 Provincial Council of Now Zealand No. 4(12. —Mosgiel Borough Council. Farmers' Union. No. 455.—0tag0 Employers' Association. No. 451. —Port Chalmers Borough Council. No. 452. —Otago Expansion League (Queenstown No. 454. —St. Kilda Borough Council. Branch).

No. 233.—Petition of George Catterall and 25 Others. Praying that the necessary road repairs be effected and the system of drainage improved upon in respect of land held on lease by Crown tenants, Henderson Gum Reserve, near Swauson, Provincial District of Auckland. I have the honour to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 17th October, 1917.

Land Laws 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 amen tied. 17th October, 1917.

Whakatane Harbour, 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. 17th October, 1917.

Wanganui Harbour Board Vesting 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 (hat it be allowed to proceed as amended by the Local Bills Committee. 17th October, 1917.