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Bill more closely relating to the lands of the Crown. The Committee would, however, point out that several other Departments of State are interested in provisions of the Bill, and in the normal course reports should be obtained from those Departments— e.g., the Public Works, Railways, Marine, Health Internal Affairs, Treasury, and Stamp Duties Departments. In regard to the rights of the Crown' powers are sought in the Bill, inter alia, to enable Crown lands and reserves to be taken or set apart under the provisions of the Public Works Act, 1928, as if the company were a local authority and works a U i • a ior ' zes the company to undertake were public works within the meaning of that Act Ihe Bill also affects the rights and prerogatives of the Crown in respect of rivers, tidal waters, and harbours, and in other directions. So far as provisions in the Bill affecting the lands of the Crown are concerned, the Committee recommends that the Bill be allowed to proceed, subject to provision be m | made therein to the effect that the company shall not exercise any of the powers contained in lii i• l> W respect to lands owned by the Crown, or public reserves or domains as defined by the I üblic Reserves, Domains, and National Parks Act, 1928, without the prior consent of the Minister of the Crown in charge of the Department concerned with the administration of such lands, reserves, or domains, and subject to such special conditions as he may see fit to impose. 14th November, 1933.

No. 12.—Petition of G. W. Venables and 76 Others, all of Napier, in New Zealand. Praying for an inquiry into the valuations of their Napier Harbour Board leaseholds and for such relief as the House may be able to afford. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered this petition, and has no recommendation to make, the Committee being of opinion that the petitioners may avail themselves of the provisions for relief of lessees contained in the Mortgagors and Tenants Relief Acts. 22nd November, 1933.

Napier Harbour Board and Roman Catholic Archbishop Empowering Bill. 1 iiavk the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered the Napier Harbour an< * KoI l nan Catholic Archbishop Empowering Bill, and recommends that the Bill be allowed to proceed without amendment. 24th November, 1933.

Wellington City Empowering and Special Rates Consolidation Amendment Bill. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered the Wellington City Empowering and Special Rates Consolidation Amendment Bill, and recommends that the Bill be allowed to proceed without amendment. 24th November, 1933.

Waimakariri River Improvement Amendment Bill. I ha\ e the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered the Waimakariri River Improvement Amendment Bill, and recommends that the Bill be allowed to proceed without amendment sth December, 1933.

Harbours Amendment Bill. 1 " ll ° 1 n ° Ur t0 report that thu Lands Committee has carefully considered the Harbours Amendment Bill, and recommends that the Bill be allowed to proceed, with the amendments shown on the copy thereof hereto annexed. sth December, 1933.

No. 303, 1932-33.—Petition of J. C. Teschemaker-Shute, of Mangatahi, Hawke's Bay, Farmer. Praying that steps be taken to enable him to retain, on reasonable terms, his farm, at present proposed to be sold by the State Advances Office Superintendent. I have the honour to report that, the member presenting this petition having informed the Committee that he desired to withdraw this petition, the Committee recommends that the member have leave to withdraw the same. 11th December, 1933.

No. 314, 1932-33.—Petition of H. C. Littlewood and 3 Others, of Raetihi. Praying that proceedings by the Public Trustee to obtain possession of a certain farm property at Kaetihi be stayed, for an investigation and for such further or other relief as may be just. 1 have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered this petition, and recommends that it be referred to the Government for consideration and inauirv. llth December, 1933.

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