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1892. NEW ZEALAND.

REPORTS OF WASTE LANDS COMMITTEE. (Mr. R. THOMPSON, CHAIRMAN.)

Presented to the House of Bepresentatives, and ordered to be printed.

INDEX.

No. Petitions, &c. Page. No. Petitions, &c. Page. A. L. 368 413 Andrew, J. C. .. Andrew, T., and Others Auckland University College Land Exchange Bill .. 4 4 Land Bill Land Boards Election Bill Land for Settlements Bill Lusk, D. H., and Others.. Lynch, O., and Others 2 5 3 3 4 1 B. Blenheim Borough Council Borck, Lauritz, and Others Bowater, W. T., and Others Bright, Louis Brown, Patrick .. Brown, W., and Others 360 310 393 295 323 339 184 131 4 3 4 i 2 2 169 364 118 202 M. Masterton Road Board Matthews, W., and Others McMurray, Henry Mickell, James, and Others 4 3 4 2 227 228 "683 o. c. Oakes, J. P. (No. 1) Oakes, J. P. (No. 2) ODonahue, Michael, and Others Otago School Commissioners Empowering Bill .. 5 5 & ! G95 533 589 81 Cannon, Mary Ann Camion, Mary Ann Corbett, Henry, and Others Creighton, C, and Others 3 5 6 2 5 588 25 424 D. Darlow, R., and Others .. E. Eason, Frederick, and Others Erueti, M. T., and Others 6 1 4 96 *651 *652 316 P. Parlane, James, and Others Paton, James, and Others Paton, James, and Others Phillips, Coleman Public Reserves Vesting and Sale Bill 1 6 6 5 6216 F. Fleming, James, and Others R. Roberts, Percy, and Others Robertson, William, and Others Robson, W. J., and Others 356 31 91 32 1 69 2 101 G. Gane, G. W. .. .. Gordon, Robert and John Grady, William.. 2 2 1 s. Selectors' Lands Revaluation Continuance Amendment Bill Swanston, John H. 6291 4 357 422 318 319 320 Hamilton, Robert Hamilton, Thomas, and Others Hayward, William Hjorring, N. P., and Others Huntervillo Small-farm Association (No. 1) Hunterville Small-farm Association (No. 2) Hunterville Small-farm Association (No. 3) 3 2 5 5 3 3 3 *6G1 234 T. Tairua Land Bill Thompson, H. H., and Others 63 w. 290 1 191 K. Kemper, G. H., and Others Kinkade, Catherine Krippner, Martin 584 Wade, Elizabeth Water-supply Act Amendment Bill Westland and Nelson Coalfields Administration Act 1877 Amendment Bill (No. 2) Wolfe, Robert, and Others 6 5 3 2 4 6 4 95 * Session 1891.

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1892. NEW ZEALAND.

Presented to the House of Beprescntatives, and ordered to be printed.

ORDERS OP REFERENCE. Extracts from the Journals of the House of Representatives. Tuesday, the sth Day op July, 1892. Ordered, " That a Committee be appointed, consisting o! ten members, to consider all Bills and petitions thatmay be introduced into this House affecting the waste lands of the Crown, and to report generally on the principles and provisions which they contain, with power to confer and sit together with any similar Committee which may be appointed by the Legislative Council, and agree to a joint or separate report; the Committee to have power to call for persons, papers, and records ; three to be a quorum : the Committee to consist of the Hon. Mr. Rolleston Mr Duncan, Mr. VV. C. Smith, Mr. Rhodes, Mr. Hogg, Mr. Meredith, Mr. C. H. Mills, Mr. R. Thompson, Mr. and the mover." —(Hon. Mr. J. McKenzie.)

Thursday, the 7th Day op July, 1892. Ordered, " That the names of Mr. T. Mackenzie and Mr. Lake be added to the Waste Lands Committee." (Hon. Mr. J. McKenzie.) ' ■

No. 25. —Petition of Frederick Eason and 19 Others. Petitioners pray that a road may be constructed to their properties at Catlin's, Glenoamaru,. Otago. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 15th July, 1892.

No. 91.—Petition of W. J. Robson and 32 Others. Petitioners state that there is no road available for wheeled traffic from Wangapeka to Rolling River, and pray that a grant may he made to construct same. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 15th July, 1892.

No. 101.—Petition of William Grady. Petitioner states that a bridge constructed over the Waitahu River, at a place known as "Lefthand Branch," causes said river to flow through his farm lands in times of flood, destroying crops,, and washing away banks. He prays relief. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they have no recommendation to make in reference to this petition. 15th July, 1892.

No. 95.—Petition of Robert Wolfe and 54 Others. Petitioners state that a bridge constructed over the Waitahu River, Reef ton Riding, County of Inangahua, has caused the said river to be diverted from its natural course and flow on to the lands of one William Grady, to the great detriment of the said William Grady's lands. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they have no recommendation to make in reference to this petition. 15th July, 1892. .. :

The Auckland University College Land Exchange Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the above Bill, have the honour to report that they duly considered the same, and they recommend that the Bill be allowed to proceed. The Bill has been passed without amendment, and a copy is attached hereto. 26th July, 1892.

No. 96.—Petition of James Parlane and 6 Others. Petitioners state that their lands in the vicinity of Lake Ellesmere, Canterbury, lie below the level of the waters of the lake, and consequently are incapable of being drained except at great cost. They purchased the said lands on the assurance that they could be easily drained, which is not the' case. They pray that an inquiry be made into the facts, with a view of reporting upon the best means of effecting a drainage of the said lands, or, failing a system of drainage being devised, that compensation be paid them. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 15th July, 1892. I—l. 5.

REPORTS OF WASTE LANDS COMMITTEE. (Mr. R. THOMPSON, CHAIRMAN.)

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No. 81.—Petition of C. Creighton and 9 Others. Petitioners are deferred-payment settlers at Brooklyn Valley, Riwaka district, Nelson Province, and pray that a sum of £150 be placed on the estimates for the purpose of making a road to their properties, as at present there are no means of access. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 15th July, 1892.

No. 4.—Petition of Thomas Hamilton and 20 Others. Petitioners ask that lands known as Lake Flats, about sixteen miles south-east of Christchurch, should be opened for sale on certain conditions which they state. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 15th July, 1892.

No. 131. —Petition of W 7 . Brown and 7 Others. Petitioners are grazing runholders in the Province of Taranaki, and pray that their tenures may be changed to perpetual leases. The Waste Lands Committtee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government. 29th July, 1892.

No. 31.—Petition of William Robertson, Senior, John Robertson, and William Robertson, Junior. Petitioners state that the area of land purchased by them at Peninsula District, Otago, has been incorrectly stated in the Crown grant issued to them, and that they have therefore paid for more land than they have received a title for. They pray relief. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they have no recommendation to make in reference to this petition. 26th July, 1892.

No. 184.—Petition of Patrick Brown. Petitioner states that he has suffered loss by not obtaining a Crown grant for land at Whakatane, being obliged to sell in. consequence at a sacrifice. Petitioner also states that he has suffered loss through the accidental destruction of his property by the railway contractors at Hamilton, Waikato. He, prays relief. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they have no recommendation to make in reference to this petition. 29th July, 1892.

No. 2. —Petition of Robert and John Gordon. Petitioners state they purchased land-orders in Ireland, but on arrival in the colony they were unable to select owing to the war. They have not received any land up to the present, and pray relief. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they have no recommendation to make in reference to the above petition. 12th August, 1892.

No. I.—Petition of Catherine Kinkade. Petitioner states that she was a free immigrant to the colony in 1865, and entitled to a grant of 40 acres of land. She duly received scrip, but did not select at the time. Afterwards she lost the scrip, and has never received any land. She prays relief. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they have no recommendation to make in reference to the above petition. 12th August, 1892.

No. 69.—Petition of G. W. Gane. Petitioner prays for revaluation of Section 100, Block 1., Opunake Survey District, as the land has been valued too highly. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they have no recommendation to make with reference to the above petition. 12th August, 1.892.

No. 202.—Petition of James Mickell and 6 Others. Petitioners request that a sum of £60 may be granted to them for the purpose of forming a bridletrack to Brooklyn Valley, Riwaka Road District. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that this petition should be referred to the, Government for consideration. 12th August, 1892.

The Land Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the above Bill, have the honour to report that they have duly considered the same, and beg to recommend that the Bill be allowed to proceed, with the amendments thereto, which are shown on the attached copy of the Bill. 25th August, 1892.

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The Land for Settlements Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the above Bill, have the honour to report that they have duly considered the same, and beg to recommend that the Bill be allowed to proceed, with the amendments thereto as set forth on the attached copy of the Bill. 26th August, 1892.

No. 695, 1891, Sess. ll.—Petition of Mary Ann Cannon. Petitioner states that her late husband, James MacDonough, was granted a block of land in the Rangitikei district in 1860 for military services. MacDonough was lost in the snow while prospecting in Otago. Petitioner married again, and only recently discovered that the land had been forfeited for non-residence. Prays that a title for the said land may now be granted to her. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they have no recommendation to make with reference to the above petition. 26th August, 1892.

No. 291.—Petition of Robert Hamilton. Petitioner prays for a grant of land as a free immigrant to the colony, to which by law he was entitled, but failed through ignorance to apply for. He prays relief. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they have no recommendation to make with reference to the above petition. 26th August, 1892.

No. 360.—Petition of D. H. Lusk and 11 Others. Petitioners are members of a small-farm association at Auckland, and pray —(1) That all small-farm -settlers may have the right of purchase after four years' holding; (2) permission for non-residence on bush-lands for three years; (3) return to regulations of 1885; (4) to be able to purchase land at a minimum of 10s. per acre; (5) permission for each settler to acquire a maximum of 320 acres. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 26th August, 1892.

No. 290. —Petition of G. H. Kemper and 44 Others. Petitioners are members of the Pahiatua Farm Homestead Association, and pray for monetary assistance from the Government to enable them to cultivate their holdings. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 26th August, 1892.

Nos. 318, 319, and 320.—Petitions of the Hunterville Small-farm Associations, Nos. 1, 2, and 3. Petitioners pray that the Land Bill may be so amended as to allow of four years elapsing before residence is compulsory; also that they may be allowed to acquire the freehold of their lands after a certain number of years have elapsed. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion these petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration. 26th August, 1892.

No. 234. —Petition of H. H. Thompson and 62 Others. Petitioners pray that a road may be constructed from Victoria Valley to Mangamuku, Okaihau, Kaitaia, Auckland. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 26th August, 1892.

No. 295.—Petition of Lauritz Borck and 20 Others. Petitioners pray that a road may be constructed from Nydia Bay to Havelock, via Black Point. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 26th August, 1892.

No. 364.— Petition of W. Matthews and 370 Others. Petitioners pray that the Land Bill may be so amended as to allow four years to elapse before residence is compulsory ; and also that they may be allowed to purchase their holdings after a term of years. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion this petition, should be referred to the Government for consideration. 26th August, 1892.

No. 356.—Petition of Percy Roberts and 2 Others. Petitioners pray that the Land Bill may be so amended as to allow four years to elapse before residence is compulsory, and also that they may be allowed to purchase their holdings after a term of years. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 26th August, 1892,

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No. 323.—Petition of W. T. Bowater and 7 Others. Petitioners pray that the Land Bill may be so amended as to allow four years to elapse before residence is compulsory, and also that they may be allowed to purchase their holdings after a term. of years. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 26th August, 1892.

No. 310.—Petition of 0. Lynch and 74 Others. Petitioners, Roman Catholic residents of Hampden, County of Inangahua, pray for the grant of an acre of land in the said township for the purpose of erecting a church. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 26th August, 1892.

No. 169.—Petition of the Masterton Road Board. Petitioners pray that a warrant may be issued for the purpose of taking a road through the Te Weraiti Block, Masterton Road District. The Waste Lands Committee have.the honour to make the following recommendation : That, having heard all the evidence, this Committee, while of the opinion that the right of taking a road should not be waived, are satisfied the matter can be left with the Government to deal with as they consider best in the interests of the colony. 31st August, 1892. -

No. 118.—Petition of Henry McMurray. Petitioner prays for compensation for land taken for railway purposes at Wangarei. •The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they have no recommendation to-, make with reference to this petition. 6th September, 1892.

No. 191.—Petition of Martin Krippner. Petitioner states he was instrumental in forming a special settlement of Germans at Puhoi, Auckland, for which he has received no reward or remuneration. He prays relief. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they have no recommendation to make with reference to the above petition. 6th September, 1892.

No. 424.—Petition of M. T. Erueti and 71 Others. Petitioners pray that the Otago Heads Road District may not be amalgamated with the Portobello District; also that the Otago Heads Road District may be declared a separate riding of the Peninsula County. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 6th September, 1892.

No. 368.—Petition of J. C. Andrew. Petitioner prays that one Robert Curling may be exempted from residence on certain lands as the said Robert Curling has been long resident in England, and is now old and infirm. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 6th September, 1892.

No. 339. —Petition of Louis Bright. Petitioner states that he has been compelled to pay stamp duty amounting to £330 on the purchase of a block of Native land, instead of £100, which latter amount he affirms is the legal charge. He prays relief. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 6th September, 1892.

No. 393. —Petition of the Blenheim Borough Council. Petitioners pray that certain reserves adjacent to the Town of Blenheim may be set aside for the benefit and use of the borough. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 6th September, 1892.

No. 413.—Petition of T. Andrew and 129 Others. Petitioners pray that Run No. 199, Roxburgh East, or a portion thereof, may be set aside as an endowment for the Roxburgh Athenaeum. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 6th September, 1892.

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No. 422.—Petition of N. P. Hjorring and 103 Others. Petitioners pray that certain lands at Naseby may be vested in the Maniototo Jockey Club, and affirm their readiness, if necessary, to purchase the fee-simple of the said lands. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 6th September, 1892.

No. 316.—Petition of Coleman Phillips. The petitioner prays—(l) That the House will order the Wellington Land Board to rescind its resolution of forfeiture of the two Dry River-Makara sections ; (2) and will order Mr. W. W. McCardle to return to your petitioner, for the original applicants, the forfeited Puketoi sections which he, the said W. W. McCardle, purchased against petitioner's protest, or that the Board should return an equivalent for the forfeited sections; and (3) to further afford him such other relief as may seem meet. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report as follows: After hearing Mr. Phillips's statement and evidence called by him in support of his petition, your Committee is of opinion that it would not be justified in making any recommendation to the House of interference with the ordinary course of law. 15th September, 1892.

No. 216. —Petition of James Fleming and 537 Others. Petitioners are residents in the Boroughs of Cromwell and Alexandra, and pray that the cost of destroying rabbits on the Dunstan and Cromwell commonages may be defrayed by the Government, and that the commonages may not.be disposed of by the Government, and that the implied agreement made in 1883 may not be disturbed. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion this petition should.be referred to the Government for consideration. 16th September, 1892.

The Otago School Commissioners' Empowering Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the above Bill, have the honour to report that they have considered the same, and beg to recommend that it be allowed to proceed, with the amendments thereto as shown on the attached copy of the Bill. 16th September, 1892.

The Water-supply Act Amendment Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the above Bill, have the honour to report that they have considered the same, and beg to recommend that it be allowed to proceed, with the amendments thereto as shown on the attached copy of the Bill. 20th September, 1892.

No. 357. —Petition of William Hayward. Petitioner prays that a refund may be made him of £36 Native-land duty and £2 stamp duty, which he states he has been forced improperly to pay on certain lands purchased by him from the Natives. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 23rd September, 1892.

No. 227.—-Petition of J. P. Oakes (No. 1). Petitioner prays that a title may be given him to certain lands at Waipatuku Flat, Thames district,. Auckland, which he alleges were purchased by his late father about the year 1846. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that the petitioner has no claim against the colony. 23rd September, 1892.

No. 228.—Petition of J. P. Oakes (No. 2). Petitioner alleges that about the year 1840 his late father purchased a block of land from the Natives, containing 12,000 acres, situated in the Coromandel district, Auckland, known as the Waiharakeke land, and that up to the time of his death was unable to complete his title. Petitioner now prays that a Crown grant may be issued him, or compensation granted in lieu thereof. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that the petitioner has no claim against the colony. 23rd September, 1892.

No. 553.—Petition of Mary Ann Cannon. Petitioner prays that a title may be granted her for land given to her late husband for military services. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they have no recommendation to make in reference to this petition. 23rd September, 1892.

The Land Boards' Election Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the above Bill, have the honour to report that they have no recommendation to make in reference to the same. 23rd September, 1892. 2—l. 5.

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The Selectors' Lands Revaluation Continuance and Amendment Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the above Bill, have the honour to report that they have considered the same, and have made no amendments therein, and beg to recommend that the Bill be allowed to proceed accordingly. A copy of the Bill is attached hereto. 27th September, 1892.

No. 588.—0n the Petition of R. Darlow and 34 Others. Petitioners pray that a dray-road may be constructed from Pakanae to Waimamaku, as present road is now quite impassable. If a new road is constructed a considerable amount of Crown lands in the vicinity will be opened up for settlement. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 3rd October, 1892.

No. 589.—Petition of Henry Corbett and 24 Others. Petitioners are ratepayers in the Parihaka Riding, Taranaki County, and pray that their riding may be formed into a new county, to be called the Egmont County, and also that the Egmont County Bill now before Parliament may become law. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they have no recommendation to make with reference to this petition. 3rd October, 1892.

The Public Reserves Vesting and Sale Bile. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the above Bill, have the honour to report that they have considered the same, and beg to recommend that it be allowed to proceed, with the amendments thereto as shown in the atached copy of the Bill. 3rd October, 1892.

- ■ ' The Tairua Land Bill. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the above Bill, have the honour to report that, not having sufficient evidence before them to enable a report to be presented on the Bill this session, they have therefore no recommendation to make. sth October, 1892. ' ___

Nos, 651 (No. 1), 652 (No. 2), 1891, Sess. ll.—Petitions of James Paton and Others. Petitioners state: (1) That they purchased land from the Southland Land Board, but since the purchase discovered that a tramway concession was granted to McCallum and Co., sawmillers; the line of tramway passes through certain of the lands, curtailing the areas and depriving the owners of the use thereof. (2.) That the said line of tramway has been closed to the owners of the blocks, depriving them of means of access to their lands. They pray, therefore, that a road my be constructed to afford them the necessary means of access, and to open up other Crown Lands in the vicinity. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion these petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration. 6th October, 1892.

No. 661, 1891, Sess. ll.—Petition, of John Swanston. Petitioner states that he was induced to emigrate to New Zealand with his family on the understanding that a grant of land would be made to him. Such grant has not been made, and he prays consideration. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they have no recommendation to make with reference to this petition. 6th October, 1892.

No. 683, 1891, Sess. ll.—Petition of Michael O'Donahue and 14 Others. Petitioners are deferred-payment settlers at Te Aroha, Auckland Provincial District, and pray for a revaluation of their lands. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion this petition •should be referred to the Government for consideration. 6th October, 1892.

No. 584.—Petition of Elizabeth Wade. Petitioner states that land taken up by her late husband on deferred payment has been forfeited through non-fulfilment of settlement conditions caused by her husband's illness, and, subsequently, death. Petitioner's husband paid £78 13s. in improvements, and she is now left totally unprovided for. She prays relief. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 7th October, 1892.

The Westland and Nelson Coalfields Administration Act 1877 Amendment Bile (No. 2). The Waste Lands Committee, to whom was referred the above Bill, have the honour to report that, not having sufficient evidence before them to enable a decision on the Bill to be arrived at this session, they have therefore no recommendation to make. 7th October, 1892. Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, not given; printing (1,160 copies), £3 17s. 6d.

Price 6d.} By Authority: Geobge Didsbuby, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB92.

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