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I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that, as far as the Land Act will allow, effect be given to the recommendation of the Hawke's Bay Land Board. 28th October, 1904.

No. 734. —Petition of R. Johnstone, Jun., and 186 Others. Petitioners pray that certain runs in Central Otago be cut up for close settlement. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends the prayer of the petition be granted. 28th October, 1904.

No. 733. —Petition of R. Johnstone, Jun., and 208 Others. Petitioners pray that no extension of lease be granted to certain pastoral-lease holders. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that the expediency of subdividing runs and converting them into moderate-sized holdings, as urged by the petitioners, be inquired into by the Government. 28th October, 1904.

No. 759.—Petition of Michael Cogan and 442 Others. Petitioners pray that Linburn and Puketoi Runs be forthwith subdivided. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that the prayer of the petition be granted. " " 28th October, 1904.

No. 895. —Petition of John Purdie and 16 Others. Petitioners pray that the original site for the proposed Awakino Bridge be adhered to, as being more convenient for settlement and travellers than the suggested alteration. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 28th October, 1904.

No. 885.—Petition of C. F. Watkins. Petitioner prays for assistance, owing to loss of sheep and grain. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 28th October, 1904.

Nos. 880, 881, 882, and 901 .—Petitions of G. Haogie and Others, A. McCluggage and Others, New Plymouth Harbour Board, and Stratford Chamber of Commerce. Petitioners pray that Crown tenants be granted the right of acquiring freehold. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 28th October, 1904.

No. 91.—Petition of H. A. and D. O'Shea. Petitioners pray for amendment of " The Rotokare Domain Act Repeal Act, 1903," or compensation for loss of lease, amounting to .£673. I am directed to report that, as "The Rotokare Domain Act Repeal Act, 1903," makes no provision for the principal items claimed by petitioners, and in the absence of anything to prove that the estimate of the work done furnished by the Commissioner of Crown Lands is unfair or inadequate, your Committee is unable to make any recommendation. 2nd November, 1904.

No. 207.—Petition of John Walsh. Petitioner prays for an amendment of " The Rotokare Domain Act Repeal Act, 1903," or for compensation for the loss of his lease, amounting to £563. Your Committee, having made inquiry and taken evidence in regard to this petition, reports as follows: Under "The Rotokare Domain Act Repeal Act, 1903," the Rotokare Domain passed from the control of the Hawera Borough Council and came under the control of the Commissioner of Crown Lands for the Taranaki District. The Act provides that all leases and agreements made by the Hawera Borough Council under " The Rotokare Domain Act, 1899," are revoked and cancelled, but specifies that the holder of any valid lease or agreement shall be entitled to such compensation (not exceeding twice the amount actually expended by him on improvements under his lease or agreement) "as may be agreed upon between such holder and the Minister of Lands, or, in default of agreement, as may be assessed under ' The Public Works Act, 1894,' as in the