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The Charge of Alleged Dummyism by Mb. Thomas Mackenzie, M.H.E., as pbbfebbed by Mr. Duncan, M.H.E., in the House, on 10th July, 1890. The Waste Lands Committee, to whom this matter was remitted, have the honour to report — (1.) That in August, 1889, unsurveyed land in Tautuku Bush was declared open for application as second-class land, at an upset price of 15s. per acre. (2.) That in August and September of the same year Mr. Thomas Mackenzie applied for 1,000 acres, in five selections, all in his own name. (3.) That these five applications were, after some alterations by the Survey Department, subsequently approved, and the land apportioned to Mr. Thomas Mackenzie in two blocks almost contiguous to one another, at the upset price. (4.) That on appearing before the Waste Lands Committee Mr. Thomas Duncan said, " I wish to withdraw any remark I made in the House as connecting Mr. Thomas Mackenzie with dummyism." He (Mr. Duncan) afterwards said, " I meant ' gridironing.' " (5.) That Mr. Duncan seems to have been misled by a map, anonymously sent to him, and by statements in the public Press. (6.) That the charges of "dummyism" and "gridironing" made in the House on the 10th July by Mr. Duncan against Mr. Thomas Mackenzie have been disproved. 6th August, 1890. " "

No. 100. —Petition of Daniel Wells. The petitioner states that in 1879 he took up 96 acres of land in Four-fathom Bay, Pelorus Sound, at £2 an acre ; that in succeeding year, 1880, the remainder of the land was sold at £1 per acre. Ho prays for a reduction in the price of his land. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that this is one of those unfortunate cases in which persons who fulfilled the obligations imposed on them by law are placed, in respect of the Lands Eevaluation Act, in a worse position than those who failed to do so. The Committee have no recommendation to make. 15th August, 1890. ________________

No. 165.' —Petition of James and Emilt Bennett. The petitioners pray that compensation may be awarded to them for injury done to their land in the Waikawau Block by the trespassing of miners and others under the authority of the Warden of the district. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they are of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Goldfields and Mines Committee for consideration. 15th August, 1890.

No. 160.'—Petition of James Campbell. The petitioner prays that he may be given compensation for injury done to his land at Tapu Creek by the trespassing of miners and others under the authority of the Warden of the district. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they recommend that this petition be referred to the Goldfields and Mines Committee for consideration. 15th August, 1890.

No. 458 of 1889. —Petition of James Simpson. The petitioner states that in the year 1864 he purchased from the Government certain lots of land in the Township of Matakana; that in 1867 a Crown grant was issued to him which contained a number of other sections of far larger acreage; that he has applied to several Governments to have the matter rectified without success. He prays for relief. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they have no recommendation to make on this petition. 15th August, 1890.

No. 135. —Petition of Edward Macalistbb. The petitioner states that in 1878 he purchased 191 acres of land in the Hokonui district on de-ferred-payment system ; that up to the year 1888 he had paid up £367 of the purchase-money ; that he then fell into arrear in his payments, and the land became forfeited ; that his improvements have been valued by the Land Board at £392 95.; that the said land is now gazetted for sale at an upset price of £1 10s. per acre; that the sum he has already paid in instalments is more than the present upset price of the land. He prays that he may be reinstated in his farm. 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. 19th August, 1890.

Nos. 141 and 142.—Petitions of Edward Brown and Others and John Schollum and Others. The petitioners state they are residents in the North Auckland district; that the district has been settled for many years, but there, is no main road through it. They pray that provision may be made for the construction of the main trunk road north from Devonport. The Waste Lands Committee have the honour to report that they recommend these two petitions should, be referred to the Government for consideration. 19th August, 1890.

No. 88.—Petition of J. C. Johnson and Others. The petitioners state they are settlers in the districts of Opuawhanga, Wairahi, and Wananaki, They pray that a road may be made through their settlements.