17

1.—2

Repoet on Petition of 152 Electoes and Ratepayers in and around the Borough of Kaiapoi. The petitioners request that a sum of money be placed on the estimates to prevent damage to the Northern railway line by floods, and that the railway bridge be lengthened to prevent the damming up of the river. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petition be referred to the Government for their information. T. Kelly, 2nd October, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of 115 Inhabitants of the Ellesmeee Disteict. The petitioners pray that a bridge or proper ferry be provided for crossing the Rakaia River, near Dobbin's land. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that this is a matter for the consideration of the local governing body. The Committee have, therefore, no recommendation to make to the House. T. Kelly, 2nd October, 1877. Chairman.

Report on Petition of 5 Membees of the Town Boaed, Inglewood, Taeanakt. Repoet on Petition of 38 Settlees of the Moa Disteict, Taeanaki. Repoet on Petition of 44 Settlees of the Pbovincial District of Taranaki. The above petitioners pray that the House will restrict the borrowing power of the New Plymouth Harbour Board to £100,000, and abolish the rating power of the Board. Report on Petition of 228 Settlees of the Pbovincial Disteict of Taeanaki. The petitioners pray that the rating power possessed by the New Plymouth Harbour Board be abolished. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of these petitions is now before the House, the Committee do not consider it necessary to offer any opinion. T. Kelly, 2nd October, 1877. Chairman.

Report on Petition of 19 Residents of Thames and Waikato Disteicts. Repoet on Petition of 7 Residents of Waikato. The petitioners pray that the Government construct a line of railway from the Thames to Hamilton, Waikato, or give such a guarantee as will induce private individuals to construct it. Repoet on Petition of 82 Inhabitants of Cambeidge. Report on Petition of 134 Residents of Waikato. The petitioners pray that the Upper Waikato be connected by railway with the Thames. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petitioners will have an opportunity to carry into effect this work under the provisions of the Districts Railway Bill. The Committee have, therefore, no recommendation to make to the House on the subject-matter of these petitions. T. Kelly, 2nd October, 1877. Chairman.

Report" on Petition of 52 Settlers of Kaukapakapa. The petitioners pray that a road be constructed between Kaukapakapa and the Kaipara Railway terminus at Helensville. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that this is a matter for the County Council or other local governing body to deal with. T. Kelly, 2nd October, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of 320 Councilloes, Meechants, Residents, and Settlees in Riverton District. The petitioners pray that that portion of the Western Railway from Riverton to Otautau be completed. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that this is a question for the Government to consider and deal with. T. Kelly, 2nd October, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of 8 Membees of the Thames Boeough Council. The petitioners object to the appointment of an officer of the Thames County Council as Mining Inspector, and pray that the Mining Inspector of the Thames Gold Field be appointed by the Colonial Government, and be entirely free from local control.