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1.—2,

Report on Petition of 82 Employees of Skilled Labour in Dunedin. The petitioners state that they can manufacture the material for carrying out the Public Works scheme of equally good quality .and at prices that will favourably compare with the imported article. The petitioners pray that the matter receive the serious consideration of the House. Having taken evidence on the subject-matter of the petition, I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that an opportunity should be offered and reasonable encouragement given to local manufacturers to compete in the construction of rolling stock with the imported article, and that ample time be allowed for the completion of contracts. T. Kelly, 10th September, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of 1,065 Artisans and Others of Dunedin. The petitioners pray that all material required by the Colonial Government for the construction of public works and ship-building be contracted for in the colony. I am directed to report that in the opinion of the Committee preference should be given to the local producer or manufacturer of all material and plant required by the Colonial Government, provided the price does not exceed that for which it can be imported, adding the duty and other expenses, if any. T. Kelly, 10th September, 1877. . Chairman.

• Report on Petition of Alexander Stitt. The petitioner's case having been already inquired into last session, and a recommendation made, I am directed to report that the Committee adhere to the opinion expressed in their report of last session. T. Kelly, 10th September, 1877. Chairman.

Report on Petition of George Geooby and Othees. The petitioners have been injured by the disastrous flood at Motueka, and pray that the offer made by the Government to relieve them by a grant of land on the condition of their surrendering their title to their present holdings, be modified in the direction of allowing them to retain their present holdings, and grant them half the value of their holdings in waste lands of the Crown. I am directed to report that the petition be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. T. Kelly, 10th September, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of R. Reid and J. Geay, Dunedin. The petitioners pray that the privilege hitherto allowed them of importing free from Customs duties certain articles used in the manufacture of agricultural implements be continued. I am directed to report that, finding that the grievance complained of by petitioners has been removed by the Government, the Committee do not consider it necessary to make any recommendation. T. Kelly, 10th September, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of S. Bowles, Maelhoeough. The petitioner states that he has suffered considerable loss, owing to the Government taking a portion of his land, leased from the Natives at White's Bay for the site of a telegraph station, and prays for redress. From inquiries made into the petitioner's case by the Committee, it appears that the petitioner parted with his interest in the land in question before the Government purchased the site from the Natives. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petitioner has no claim against the Government for compensation. T. Kelly, 10th September, 1877. , Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of James Mooee, George Hutchinson, and Robert Bryant Peaece. The petitioners state that a certain Native named Moanaroa took possession of a portion of land belonging to them in the Patea District, to which they were entitled by law, but, in consequence of a Crown grant not having been issued, no proceedings in law to eject the Native could safely be taken, as, in the absence of the grant, there is no proper proof of the legal estate. The petitioners also complain of the action of the Civil Commissioner, Mr. Charles Brown, in encouraging the Native to retain possession of the land and impound petitioners' cattle. They pray that compensation be given them for the loss they have sustained by the act of a Government officer, that the Native be removed from the land, and the Crown grant issued.