J.—3.

1876. NEW ZEALAND.

ACQUISITION OF LAND FOR SETTLEMENT AT THE THAMES, (PETITION RELATIVE TO).

"_ "" "! Presented to the House of Representatives \%ih July, 1876, and ordered to be printed.

To the Honorable the Members of the House of Representatives of New Zealand in Parliament assembled. The Petition op the iindeesigned the Mayob and Cotjncillobs or the Boeough of Thames, and of the Chaibmen and Membees or the Highway Disteict Boaeds or Katjaeeanga, Pabawai, and "Waiotahi, Humbly Showeth, — 1. That since the year 1867 a large population has been resident on the Thames who have been eager to obtain freehold land for settlement. 2. That during that time a large number of people have left the district who would have remained had such land been obtainable. 3. That your Petitioners believe that large tracts of land in the Thames Valley and adjacent district could be purchased from the Native owners, such land being well adapted for settlement. 4. That we believe it would greatly increase the prosperity of this district, and largely benefit the inhabitants, if such lands were purchased, and a portion set apart for settlement, by miners and others of limited means, for agricultural purposes. 5. That during the above-named time certain lands have been purchased in the district, none of which, however, have been set aside for settlement. 6. That, of the tracts already purchased, the best parts of the lands most suitable for settlement have been set apart as Native reserves, which are available for leases but not for freeholds. 7. That a petition from this place, having the same object in view, was presented during last Session of Parliament to your honorable House, and was reported upon favourably, as follows: — " Tour Committee has the honor to recommend that the petition be referred to the Government, with a view, if possible, of giving effect to the prayer ofthe petition." We, the undersigned, therefore, respectfully request that your honorable House will take the prayer of the petition into your favourable consideration, and devise measures which will be the means of opening up large tracts of land to be settled upon by people already in the district. And your Petitioners will ever pray, &c. By Authority : Geobq-e Didsbuby, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB76. Price 3d.]