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No. 245.—Petition of C. TI. Chipman. Praying for the restoration of Section 77, Manaia, County of Whangarei, containing 121 acres taken by the Government as a scenic reserve {New Zealand Gazette, 1905, p. 241). 1 am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 10th October, 1917.

No. 394.—Petition of J. T. Bioknell. Praying for redress in respect of loss sustaine.d by flooding of petitioner's land (Tawalia Settlement) caused by inadequate drainage of the district. I have the honour to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for inquiry with a view to affording relief in such cases as that of the petitioner's. 10th October, 191.7.

Nislson Harbour Board Empowering Bill. The Lands Committee, to which was referred the above-mentioned Bill, has the honour to report that it has carefully considered the same, and recommends that it lie allowed to proceed as amended. 10th October, 1917.

Dunedin Waterworks Extension Bill. The Lands Committee, to which was referred the above-mentioned 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, 1917.

Hawke's Bay Rivers Amendment Bill. The Lands Committee, to which was referred the above-mentioned Bill, has the honour to report, that, it lias carefully considered the same, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed as amended by the Local Bills Committee. 10th October, 1917.

Discharged Soldiers Settlement Amendment Bill. I am directed to report that the Lands Committee, to which was referred the above-mentioned Bill, has carefully considered the same, and recommends that it be, allowed to proceed without amendment. 10th October, 1917.

No. 437. —Petition of James Campion. Praying for compensation for loss sustained by reason of shortage in survey of land held under the Land Transfer Act, situated near Fordell, Provincial District of Wellington. 1 am directed to report that the petitioner has suffered serious loss through a miscalculation by the Lands Department of the area of laud included in his certificate of title, and this Committee recommends that the claim of petitioner for compensation he referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 17th October, 1917.

AVhangarei Harbour Board Vesting Bill. The Lands Committee, to which was referred the above-mentioned Bill, has the honour to report that it, has carefully considered the same, and recommends that, the Bill as amended be referred to the Native Affairs Committee. 17th October, 1917.

No. 108.—Petition of J. H. Schmidt and Others. Praying that they be given the option of converting their national-endowment and other Crown leases into freehold, on same conditions as Manunui, Kangataua, and Ohakune. fc lam directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 17th October, 1917.