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1888. NEW ZEALAND.

WASTE LANDS COMMITTEE (REPORT OF THE), ON THE PETITION OF THE WELLINGTON AND MANAWATU RAILWAY COMPANY, TOGETHER WITH MINUTES OF EVIDENCE AND APPENDIX.

Report brought up 17 th August, and ordered to be printed.

REPORT. Petitioners state that in the year 1882 a contract was made between the Government of New Zealand and themselves for the construction, working, and maintenance of a line of railway between Wellington and Longburn: That by clause 11 of the said contract it was agreed that, in the event of the Government acquiring certain lands within a period of five years from the date of said contract, such lands, or a proportionate part of the same, should be granted to the company: That Petitioners have reason to believe that Government have acquired a portion of the lands referred to in clause 11 of the contract. Petitioners pray that effect be given to the object and intent of clauses 11 and 12 of the said contract, or to the alternative claim of the Petitioners. I am directed to report, That, in the opinion of the Committee, the company have no equitable claim upon the Government. JAMES FULTON, 17th August, 1888. Chairman.