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Whangarei Foreshore Vesting Bill. The Lauds Committee, to which was referred the Whangarei Foreshore Vesting Bill, lias the honour t<> report that it has carefully considered the same, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed as amended by the Local Bills Committee. 10th October, 1913.

Hamilton High School Reserve Bill. The Lands Committee, to which was referred the Hamilton High School KVserve Bill, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed as amended by the Local Bills Committee. ' 10th October, 1913.

No. 298. —Petition of Matthew Henry, of Balachraggan, Waitoa. Praying for a revaluation of his property at Waitoa. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 16th October, 1913.

No. 291. —Petition of Berg Bros, and 1!) Others, of Waimarino. Praying to be relieved of rates now levied on standing timber. I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that this petition be referred to the Government for inquiry as to the equitableness or otherwise of rates being levied on standing timber. 16th October, 1913.

No. 354. —Petition of William John Holt, of Paerata. Praying for compensation for loss on Section 68, Selwyn Settlement. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 16th October, 1913.

Paper 107 C.—Acquisition of Fee-simple of Renewable Leases in Hetana Hamlet under the Land Laws Amendment Act, 1912. Thk Lands Committee, to which was referred the above-mentioned paper, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and during the course of the inquiry has examined the following witnesses : F. W. Flanagan, Valuer-General ; E. Morgan, District Value]-, Auckland ; F. G. Ewington, land and estate agent, Auckland ; S. M. Skeet. Commissioner of Crown Lands, Auckland ; and J. D. Ritchie, Chairman of Land Purchase Board. That, having heard the evidence of the witnesses above mentioned, the Committee is of opinion that the State has received full value for its interest in the land, as proved by the valuation made by the most competent land-valuers obtainable, and that the statements made by several newspapers to the effect that £30,000 worth of land had been parted with for £3,000 had no foundation in fact. A copy of the minutes of proceedings and evidence taken is attached liereto. (Vide 1.-5 A.) 21st October, 1913. '

Paper No. 98 C. —Regarding the Sale by Public Auction of Section 20, Block IX, Cheviot Survey District. The Lands Committee, to which was referred the above-mentioned paper, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and during the course of the inquiry has examined the following witnesses : J. Strauchon, Under-Secretary for Crown Lands ; C. R. Pollen, Commissioner of Crown Lands, Canterbury District; J. Gibson, an ex-member of the Canterbury Land Board ;T. Gee. mem ber of the Canterbury Land Board ;J. Rentoul, bee-farmer, Cheviot; and B. R. Holton, sheep-farmer, Cheviot. That, having heard the evidence of the witnesses above mentioned, the Committee is of opinion that there is not the slightest evidence to support the suggestion that either the Minister of Lands or the Lands Department was actuated or influenced by political motives in deciding to offer the section by auction under the conditions of the Cheviot Estate Disposition Act, 1893, and that the statement made by Mr. Gibson in liis letter quoted by Mr. G.W. Forbes, M.P., which reads as follows—"Mr. Massey's supporters had -approached him to allow tne section to remain in possession of the previous tenant, who farms the adjoining land " —was without foundation in fact. A copy of the minutes of proceedings and evidence taken is attached hereto. ( Vide 1.-5b.) 22nd October, 1913.