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service; that such permanent employment has not been given him ; aud he prays that the House will take his case into consideration. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the special service rendered to the colony during the war by Colonel McDonnell entitles him to the consideration of the Government. T. Kelly 18th September, 1877. Chairman.

Report on Petition of Hebrew Residents in Auckland. The petitioners pray that subsection 3 of clause 85, except the words " the teaching shall be of a secular character," be excised from the Education Bill. Report on Petition of C. H. Kirk and 170 Other Catholics of Wanganui. The petitioners state that they are unjustly treated by the Education Bill, and pray that they be assisted by Government in supporting their schools in accordance with their principles. 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, 18th September, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of J. G. Waenee. The petitioner states that he was engaged in England to come out to New Zealand as railway engineer to the Provincial Government of Canterbury; that he continued to be employed by the said Government until the abolition of the province ; that in February last he received three months' notice that his services would be dispensed with. He prays that, as he has been thrown out of employment by the Abolition Act coming into force, relief be afforded him. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petitioner's case be referred to the Government for favourable consideration. T. Kelly, 18th September, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of T. E. Fitzgerald. The petitioner states that in June, 1873, he made an agreement with the Native owners for the purchase of a block of land containing about 100,000 acres, and during the course of the survey, action was taken by the Government to stop the survey. The petitioner prays for redress. It appears from the evidence taken that the negotiation with the Natives was for a lease of the land and not for its purchase; and that the expenditure incurred by the petitioner amounted to £370, of which £250 was refunded by the Government. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petitioner is entitled to the balance of cost, if any, incurred by him in the survey of the block of land in question. T. Kelly, 18th September, 1877. Chairman.

Report on Petition of W. L. Bullee. The petitioner states that, in consequence of the extra and arduous duties he had to perform in negotiating the purchase and, subsequently, settling claims iv respect to the Rangitikei-Manawatu Block, the late Dr. Featherston, then Superintendent of Wellington, promised him a bonus of £500, and recommended the Provincial Council to pass the same. The vote was submitted to the Council, but, in consequence of the action of the leader of the Opposition (Mr. Bunny), the consideration was postponed until the purchase was an accomplished fact; that owing to a variety of circumstances nothing was done by the late Provincial Government to give effect to the promised bonus. He therefore prays the House to take the matter into consideration and grant him relief. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petitioner is not entitled to any extra payment for services rendered in the negotiation for the purchase of the RangitikeiManawatu Block, as they consider that any services which he rendered to the province or the colony have been amply remunerated. T. Kelly, 18th September, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of 124 Mining Agents, Merchants, and Others, of Auckland. The petitioners pray that they may be relieved from the exceptional burdens imposed on them by " The Sharebrokers Act, 1871." I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that there is no special hardship in the case of the petitioners, but, as the question is now before the House, they do not consider it necessary to make any specific recommendation. T. Kelly, 18th September, 1877. Chairman. 3—l. 2.