1.—2

34

I am directed to report that the Committee do not think it desirable to interfere with the action of the Public Works Department in dismissing any of its officers for alleged incompetency, and have therefore no recommendation to make in the petitioner's case. T. Kelly, 28th November,slB77. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of William Evans. Petitionee states that he purchased sections 50 and 51, Wakefield Street, Westport, with the understanding that the Nelson Provincial Government had guaranteed to give a fourteen years lease. He paid ground rent and rates on the said sections. That Mr. Thomas Mackay has taken possession of the said sections on behalf of the General Government, and he has received no compensation. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that, as it appears that the land in question has been taken for railway purposes, the Committee are of opinion that the petitioner's interest, if any, in the land should be dealt with in the ordinary way in which lands taken under the Immigration and Public Works Act are dealt with when required for railway purposes. T. Kelly, 28th November, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of F. E. Hamlin (No. 2). Petitionee states that, whilst acting in the capacity of Resident Magistrate at Maketu, he had temporary charge of certain lands belonging to the Government, and spent over £400 of his own money in effecting necessary improvements to the property, for which he has received no consideration. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petitioner has expended money on Government land occupied by him, which has added to the permanent value of the property, but there is not sufficient evidence to show the amount to which he is entitled. The Committee therefore recommend that local inquiry be made, and that petitioner receive the present value of the improvements, taking into consideration tho benefit he has already received from such improvements. T. Kelly, 28th November, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of W. Widdop. Petitionee states that he served as messenger and attended at Government House from 1865 till 1874, when, owing to failing health and increasing work, he was compelled to resign, not having completed the term which would have entitled him to a retiring allowance. He prays for relief. I am directed to report that, taking all the circumstances of the case into consideration, the Committee are of opinion that he should be paid one month's salary for each year of service. T. Kelly, 28th November, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of Emile J. Boeel. Petitionee states that in 1863 he was a storekeeper at Rangiawhia in the Waikato, and sustained losses during the Native disturbance, for which he has never received any compensation. He prays that his case may be considered, and relief afforded him. I am directed to report that this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. T. Kelly, sth December, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of Chaeles Bacon de Thieeey. Petitionee states that he has been for many years a Native Interpreter, employed at various times by the Government, and was made a licensed Interpreter in 1868. That in 1873 his license as Native Interpreter was cancelled, and he was thus deprived of his means of gaining a livelihood. He prays for inquiry and relief. I have the honor to report that the Committee are not in a position, for want of direct evidence, to decide whether the petitioner is entitled to consideration or not; but recommend the Government to make local inquiry, to ascertain whether he is entitled to any compensation for work done by him which was of subsequent value to the Government in acquiring land. T. Kelly, sth December, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of John MAESn. Petitionee complains that people are allowed to squat on the streets and reserves of the Township of Cromwell, Provincial District of Otago, to the detriment of those who have bought sections in the township. He also protests against the alienation of Block IX., Cromwell, and prays that it may not be diverted from the purposes for which it was originally intended.