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Eepoet on Petitions of the Chairman of the Eangioea School Disteict : Eesidents of Eangitikei (No. 1) : and Eesidents of Eangitikei (No. 2). The petitioners pray that the Scriptures be read daily in schools. I am directed to report that the Committee do not consider it necessary to offer any opinion to the House on the subject-matter of these petitions. T. Kelly, 7th August, 1877. Chairman.

Eepoet on the Petition or James Caeeoll. The petitioner was lately a member of the Police Force of Otago, and, having been suspected of having a knowledge of certain irregularities, was recommended to send in his resignation. Petitioner states that he had no knowledge of such irregularities which would implicate him therein, and prays for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend the petitioner's case to the favourable consideration of the Government. T. Kelly, 7th August, 1877. Chairman.

Eepoet on Petition of Ceetain -Settlers iv the Taieri County and City of Dunedin. The petitioners pray that a right of road to part of an allotment of land owned by Thomas Kirk be provided by the Government. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make to the House on the petitioners' case. T. Kelly, 7th August, 1877. Chairman. m

Eepoet on Petition of Dennis Kennedy. The petitioner states that he obtained his discharge from the 89th Eegiment for the purpose of obtaining land in the Province of Auckland, but that, owing to not having made the application within twelve months of his arrival in the colony, he cannot obtain it, and he prays for relief. I am directed to report that, as the petitioner has not complied with the condition on which land was granted to discharged soldiers, the Committee cannot recommend his case to the favourable consderation of the House. T. Kelly, 7th August, 1877. Chairman.

Eepoet on Petition of Landownees in the Taieei County. The petitioners state that the action of the Taieri Biver Conservators in making an embankment on the west bank of the river has had the effect of raising the flood waters of the river beyond ordinary height, and materially damaging the petitioners' property on the east bank, and they pray that no subsidies be granted to the Taieri Eiver Conservators as at present constituted. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the matter is a question for the consideration of the Government, as it involves a difficult engineering question, and should only be dealt with after careful inquiry and on a comprehensive plan, especially as a considerable sum of public money has been expended on river works, the utility of which appears to be doubtful. T. Kelly, 7th August, 1877. Chairman.

Eepoet on Petition of James Boswell. The petitioner states that he was in the employ of the Provincial Government of Auckland for thirteen years as labourer and messenger, and that he has been discharged on the abolition of the provinces without compensation, and prays for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee do not consider that he has any claim for compensation, and cannot therefore recommend his case to the favourable consideration of the House. T. Kelly, 7th August, 1877. Chairman.

Eepoet on Petition of Mayoe and Corpoeation of Oamaru. The petitioners state that the Oamaru and Moeraki Eailway encroaches on the two principal streets of the town to such an extent as to reduce the roadway to an insufficient width for the safety of traffic, and they pray that relief be afforded. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. T. Kelly, 7th August, 1877. Chairman.