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I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that these petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration. T. Kelly, 19th October, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of the Patea County Council. The petitioners, for reasons set forth, pray that "The New Plymouth Harbour Board Ordinance, 1875," be repealed. I am directed to report that, as the question is now under the consideration of the House, the Committee do not consider it necessary to offer any opinion. T. Kelly, 19th October, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of James Mclntosh and Sons. The petitioners complain of the action of the Southland Waste Lands Board in cancelling their license to occupy land on deferred payments, on the ground of not having complied with the conditions. The}' pray for inquiry and redress. The Committee have examined James Mcintosh, one of the petitioners, and also two members of the Waste Lands Board, and it appears that the license in question was cancelled because the Board considered that the petitioners were evading the condition of personal residence. The petitioners ask for independent inquiry, and state that they would pay the cost if the result of such inquiry were adverse to their interest. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that a Commission of impartial persons be appointed to inquire into petitioners' case, with power to take evidence on oath, whose decision shall be final; and in the event of the petitioners failing to prove to the satisfaction of the Commissioners that they complied with the conditions of personal occupation within the meaning of subsection 4 of section 54 of " The Otago Waste Lands Act, 1872," the cost of such inquiry be paid by petitioners. T. Kelly, 26th October, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of JonN Scott Caveehill The petitioner states that, owing to the conflicting provisions of " The Nelson Scab Act, 1868," he was compelled to take out a license and pay a fine of 2d. per head for 15,000 sheep, notwithstanding they were clean. He prays that the fine of £125 be, under the circumstances, remitted. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that tho fine be refunded to the petitioner, aud charged against the revenue of the Provincial District of Nelson. T. Kelly, Ist November, 1877. Chairman.

Report on Petition of F. H. Geisow. The petitioner states that he rendered services to the Provincial. Government of Otago to the value of £697 16s. 6d.,|of which he received on account only £500, and that the balance remains unpaid. He prays that redress be afforded him. I am directed to report that it appears from the evidence taken that the Provincial Government offered petitioner £2 2s. per diem for 164 days, exclusive of travelling expenses, leaving a balance of £44 16s. then due, which the petitioner declined to accept. The Committee consider this offer was an ample one, aud recommend the payment of the balance, and no more, to the petitioner. T. Kelly, Ist November, 1877. Chairman.

Report on Petition of Samuel Falloon. The petitioner states that he was deprived of a cottage and acre of land to which he was entitled as an enrolled pensioner, in consequence of being absent from church parade, and prays that relief be given him. 1 am directed to report that the Committee, having made inquiry into this case, and being unable to obtain any answer to the question, " Whether he was entitled to the same consideration as the pensioners named in ' The Compensation Act, 1858,' of the Province of Auckland," are unable to come to any decision; but recommend the Government to make inquiry, and, if it is found that he is entitled to the same consideration, that a similar award be made to him. T. Kelly, Ist November, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of 73 of the Inhabitants of South Canterbury. The petitioners pray that the branch railway connecting Timaru and Opawa be extended to Fairlie Creek or Three Springs. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the District Railway Bill now before the House will give an opportunity to petitioners to carry out their wishes. T. Kelly, Ist November, 1877. Chairman.