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No. 44/26. —Petition of W. J. Mcßurney, of Waerenga. Praying for investigation and refund of certain moneys paid to the Crown when purchasing a farm in the Taniwha Settlement. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 24th August, 1927.

No. 10. —Petition of Alfred Ward, of Christchurch. Praying for compensation for loss sustained on the purchase of a returned soldier's farm. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make with regard to this petition. 24th August, 1927.

Wellington City Empowering and Amendment 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 be allowed to proceed as amended by the Local Bills Committee. 24th August, 1927.

Wellington City Exhibition and Grounds 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 be allowed to proceed as amended by the Local Bills Committee. 24th August, 1927.

Whangarei Harbour Board Vesting and 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 the Bill be allowed to proceed as amended by the Local Bills Committee. 24th August, 1927.

No. 130. —Petition of P. Fisher, of Canterbury. Praying for a reassessment of rent paid on leased Crown land, and allowances for certain improvements. I have the honour to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration ; and the Committee suggests that the alternative proposal made by the petitioner in 1924—that he be allowed to surrender his lease on payment to him of the value of his improvements —and which was agreed to by the Minister of Lands, be again made to him. 31st August, 1927.

No. 56.—Petition of W. E. Timmings, of Wellington. Praying for compensation for loss sustained in a land transaction. I have the honour to report that in the opinion of the Committee this petition should be referred to the Government for inquiry. 31st August, 1927.

Auckland Harbour Board Empowering 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, so far as it affects the lands of the Crown, the Bill be allowed to proceed, with the amendments as shown on the copy of the Bill annexed hereto. 15th September, 1927.

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