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Repoet on Petition of William Maxwell. Petitionee states that in 1844 he and his mother imported from England machinery and skilled labour for the erection of a sawmill, at a cost of over £5,000. That when the Natives attacked the settlement of Kororarika they carried off all portable parts of the machinery, and the petitioner lost almost the whole of the above sum of money. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make to the House on the subject-matter of this petition. T. Kelly, 24th November, 1876. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of R. P. Giffaed. Petitionee states that in 1873 the Government took a piece of his land, under the Immigration and Public Works Act, for the construction of part of the Napier and Pakipaki Railway, and that his property has been injuriously affected owing to the loss of frontage which has been cut off from the main road. He prays that inquiry be made into the circumstances of the case, and adequate compensation granted him. I am directed to report that, as the Committee reported on the case last session, they havejio further recommendation to make. T. Kelly, 24th November, 1877. Chairman.

Report on Petition of Maetin McMahon. The petitioner served in the Armed Constabulary for eight years, and was present at three engagements with the Natives. He prays for some consideration. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petitioner has no claim, and cannot, therefore, recommend his prayer to the favourable consideration of the House. T. Kelly, 24th November, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of G. Beeley and Othees, Woeking Jewellers, and Citizens of Dunedin. The petitioners state that their trade suffers owing to the importation of jewellery cheaper than they can produce it. They pray that their interests may be protected by the imposition of a sufficient duty, and that they may be placed in the same favourable position as the workmen of Victoria. I am directed to report that, the subject-matter of this petition being a question of public policy, the Committee are of opinion that it is one for the serious consideration of the Government. T. Kelly, 24th November, 1877. Chairman.

Report on Petition of A. Biddle and Othees Employed in the Mosgiel Woollen Factoey. The petitioners pray that the hours of work as set forth in the Employment of Females Act may not be enforced in their case, as it would entail considerable hardship, their work being piece-work. I am directed to report that the Committee consider that effect should be given to the prayer of the petitioners by a Bill. T. Kelly, 27th November, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of Ellen Collins. Petitionee, who is a widow in reduced circumstances, prays for relief, as her late husband lost his health whilst in Government employment. I am directed to report that the Committee consider that this case is one for the local authorities to deal with. T. Kelly, 28th November, 1877. Chairman.

Report on Petition of H. N. Warner. Petitionee states that he has served in various capacities since the year 1844, but is not entitled to claim the benefit of the Civil Service Acts. He prays for consideration on account of his long public services. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petitioner has no claim on the colony for a pension. T. Kelly, 28th November, 1877. Chairman.

Report on Petition of H. A. Chapman. Petitionee states that unjust charges of incompetency and neglect of duty have been made against him, and that he has been hardly dealt with by being dismissed from his situation as engine-driver in the employment of the Government. He prays for consideration,