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the grievances of the Karamea settlers, the Committee do not consider it necessary to make any recommendation. T. Kelly, Bth October, 1877. Chairman.

Report on Petition of 400 Parents, Householders, and other Residents in the County of Wanganui. The petitioners state that they are in favour of the main principles of the Local Option Bill, and pray that it may become law. I am directed to report that, as the Bill is now under the consideration of the House, the Committee do not consider it necessary to offer any opinion. T. Kelly, Bth October, 1877. Chairman.

Report on Petition of 896 Roman Catholics of Cheistchurch. I am directed to report that this petition is informal, inasmuch as it has no signature to it within the meaning of the Standing Orders. T. Kelly, Bth October, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of 816 Roman Catholics of Otago. Repoet on Petition of 204 Roman Catholics of Temuka. Repoet on Petition of 320 Roman Catholics of Nelson. The petitioners state that the Education Bill now before Parliament if enacted into law will inflict a grievous injustice on Roman Catholics. And they pray that a Bill be passed in which is embodied the principle of giving aid to all religious denominations from the public funds for promoting education in their own schools. I am directed to report that, as the Education Bill is now under the consideration of the Legislature, the Committee do not consider it necessary to make any recommendation. T. Kelly, Bth October, 1877. Chairman,

Repoet on Petition of 78 Settlees Kaitangata, Wangaloa, and Molyneux. The petitioners state that the Government could work the Kaitangata line of railway in connection with the main line with greater economy and with more advantage to the community than can the private company now working it, and they pray that favourable consideration be given to their views. I am directed to report that the subject matter of this petition is one for the consideration of the Government. T. Kelly, 15th October, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of Thomas Butlee. [Final Report.] I am directed to report that, as it appears from the report of the Royal Commission, consisting of the Resident Magistrate of Nelson and the Inspector of Lunatic Asylums, that the petitioner has entirely failed to establish his charges against the Medical Officer and the Matron of the Asylum, the Committee cannot recommend the prayer of the petition to the favourable consideration of the House. T. Kelly, 15th October, 1877. Chairman.

Report on Petition of Alexander Dow. The petitioner states that he served in the Otago Police Force and as Warder in the Gaol at Dunedin for fourteen years, when he was obliged to resign on account of ill-health, and prays that consideration and relief be given him. I am directed to report that the Committee recognize petitioner's case as one of misfortune, but, as it appears that compensation has been given to the amount of one month's pay for each year of service, the Committee have no further recommendation to make. T. Kelly, 15th October, 1877. Chairman.

Report on Petition of Albert Cracroft Fookes. The petitioner states that he purchased Volunteer scrip, issued by the Superintendent of Taranaki, which scrip purported to entitle the holder to purchase waste lands within the province. That, on presenting such scrip at the Crown Lands Office, he was informed that there was no land on which it could be exercised, although there was land open for sale. That he was compelled to accept an offer made by the Superintendent of 10s. for each £1 of scrip.