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No. 135.—Petition of William John Mcßurney. Praying for (a) refund of part purchase-money paid for Crown land at Taniwha Settlement, Waikato, and (b) reduction in capital value. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered this petition, and has no recommendation to make. 19th September, 1929. ——

No. 264.—Petition of James C. Paterson and 103 Others. Praying for a longer term of leases of primary - education endowments, with a perpetual right of renewal, and the right to arbitration in fixing rents. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered this petition, and recommends that it be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 19th September, 1929.

Land Laws Amendment Bill. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered the above-mentioned Bill, and recommends that it be allowed to proceed as amended. The Committee desires also to recommend to the Government that there be a classification of all the lands of the Dominion according to (a) whether the land is suitable for closer settlement, and (b) whether the land is suitable for closer settlement or subdivision. 19th September, 1929.

No. 303. —Petition of Timothy Moriarty. Praying for compensation for loss in connection with certain land in Grey district. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered this petition, and has no recommendation to make. 2nd October, 1929.

No. 1 (Session 1: 23rd Pari.). —Petition of William Steed and 6 Others. Praying that the level of Waiparara Lake be lowered, in order to protect their lands. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered this petition, and recommends that it be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. 7th October, 1929.

No. 240.—Petition of F. W. Keam and 60 Others. Praying that an investigation be made with a view to opening up for settlement the Crown lands near the East Coast Main Trunk Railway, Tauranga district. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered this petition, and recommends that it be referred to the Government for most favourable consideration. 7th October, 1929.

No. 282. —Petition of Frederick Charles de Lambert. Praying that the lessees of certain Cheviot Crown lands be not permitted to freehold the land thev hold. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered this petition, and recommends that it be referred to the Government for consideration ; but the Committee desires to express the opinion that the whole matter should be held over for at least twelve months with a view to the parties coming to an amicable settlement. 7th October, 1929.

No. 294. —Petition of W. J. Parsons and Another. Praying that they be granted the freehold of their pastoral leaseholds. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered this petition, and recommends that it be referred to the Government for most favourable consideration. 7th October, 1929.

Auckland City Sinking Funds and Empowering Bill. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered this Bill, and recommends that, in so far as it affects the rights and prerogatives of the Crown, the Bill be allowed to proceed, with the amendment shown in red in the copy of the Bill hereto attached. 14th October, 1929.

Christchurch City Reserves Amendment Bill. I have the honour to report that the Lands Committee has carefully considered the above Bill, and recommends that, so far as it affects a public reserve, the Bill be allowed to proceed without amendment. 14th October, 1929.