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REPORTS. Special Report. I have the honour to report that at a meeting of the Lands Committee held this morning the following resolution was unanimously agreed to : — " That this Committee places on record its deep appreciation of the splendid services rendered to the Dominion by the Hon. D. H. Guthrie, M.P., in his capacity of Minister of Lands. His administration during a most difficult period has received the approval of all political parties in the House and of the people, of the country, and the, Committee records its deep regret that owing to ill health he has had to relinquish his portfolio. It extends to him its sincere good wishes for complete restoration to health, so that the Dominion may again have the benefit of his valuable services as an administrative member of the Government. " That this resolution be recorded in the minutes and reported to the House." 18th July, 1924.

DuNEriTN Ctty Corporation Empowering Bill. The Lands Committee, to which was referred the above-mentioned Bill as amended by the Local Bills Committee, has the honour to report that the said Bill has been carefully considered, and the Committee has made further amendments therein, as shown on copy of Bill attached hereto. The Committee recommends that the Bill be referred, to the Goldfields and Mines Committee. 14th August, 1924.

No. 179/23. —Petition of R. P. Carter and 38 Others, of Taumarunui. Praying that they may be enabled to acquire the freehold of their sections in Blocks I and II of the Native Township of Taumarunui at approximately the same prices for which they were acquired by the Crown. 1 have the honour to report that, as steps are being taken to give effect to the prayer of the petitioners, the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 21st August, 1924.

No. 181/23.—Petition of Rachel M. Hassall, of Christchurch. Praying that a certificate of title to Section 26, Block IV, Jacob's River Hundred, be granted to the family of the late Captain William Stevens. I have the honour to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Native Affairs Committee. 21st August, 1924.

No. 188/23. —Petition of Whangarei Borough Council. Praying that steps be taken to reserve an area of land containing limestone rock in Whangarei County as a scenic reserve. I have the honour to report that the Committee recommends that, in accordance with the request of petitioner, leave be given for the petition to be withdrawn. 21st August, 1924.

Parliamentary Paper No. 124. (Proposal that the Government should take over and exercise and accept certain Options and Offers for the Purchase of Lands, made and granted by Owners of Lands on the Eastern Side of the Hutt Valley to the Mayor of the Hutt, for Land-settlement Purposes). I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee, having inspected the lands in question, and having heard and carefully considered the evidence tendered before it, recommends that, in view of the undoubted necessity of duplicating the railway-line and the deviation of it through these lands, the undoubted demand that exists for homes in the vicinity of large cities, the necessity of providing room for further expansion for homes for the people of tho City of Wellington, and the reasonable nature of the options, the Government do negotiate for the purchase of the land for closer settlement. 21st August, 1924.

New Plymouth Borough and New Plymouth Harbour Board Exchange Bill. The Lands Committee, to which was referred the above-mentioned Bill, has the honour to report that the said Bill has been carefully considered, and the Committee recommends that it be allowed to proceed as amended by the Local Bills Committee, 28th August, 1924.