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Report on Petition of 32 Residents in the Provincial District of Otago. The petitioners pray that a line of railway be constructed to open up the interior of Otago for agricultural settlement. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of this petition is now before the House, the Committee do not consider it necessary to make any recommendation. T. Kelly, 2nd October, 1877. Chairman.

Report on Petition of 40 Settlees of Alfredtown, Rungitumau Block, Masterton. The petitioners state that the settlement of the district is practically inaccessible for want of a main line of road, and pray that a sum be placed on the Estimates for the purpose of opening up the district. I am directed to report that as the Settlements Work Advances Bill, now before the House, proposes to deal with questions of this kind, the Committee do not consider it desirable to make any recommendation to the House on the subject-matter of this petition. T. Kelly, 3rd October, 1877. Chairman.

Report on Petition of John Logan. The petitioner prays that compensation be given him, inasmuch as ho was deprived of twelve months' leave of absence, on full pay, by the General Government, which was granted him by the late Superintendent of Otago for long service. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make to the House on the petitioner's case. T. Kelly, 3rd October, 1877. Chairman.

Report on Petition of 16 Members of School Committee, Thames. The petitioners pray that a high school be established at the Thames. I am directed to report that tho Committee are of opinion that the petition be referred to the Minister in charge of the Education Bill for his consideration. T. Kelly, Bth October, 1877. . Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of Mayoe, Councilloes, and Ratepayers of Hokitika. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the subject-matter of this petition is one for the Borough or County Couucil to deal with. T. Kelly, Bth October, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of 588 Residents of Kanieei. The petitioners pray that a bridge be constructed across the Hokitika River. I am directed to report that the petition is informal, not being signed by any petitioner within the meaning of the Standing Orders. T. Kelly, Bth October, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of 12 Membees of Educational Institute, Otago. The petitioners state that they approve of the leading principles of the Education Bill, and sincerely trust that it will meet with the approval of the House. I am directed to report that, as the Education Bill is now before the Legislature, the Committee do not consider it necessary to make any recommendation. T. Kelly, Bth October, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of 39 Kaeamea Settlees. The petitioners complain that certain promises made to them by the Povincial Government of Nelson, with respect to the supply of provisions, mail service, and employment, have not been fulfilled, and pray that an investigation take place. Repoet on Petition of Thomas Johnstone Jones. The petitioner complains that certain promises made to him as a Karamea settler have not been fulfilled, and prays for inquiry. I am directed to report that, as it appears that a Special Commission is now making inquiries into