i.—2

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I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that this work is one that Ought to be constructed by the local authorities, and, if necessary, that special borrowing power should be given for the purpose ; also power to levy tolls: T. Kelly, sth December, 1877. Chairman.

Report on Petition of inhabitants of Wairoa County, Hawke's Bay. The petitioners pray for a bi-weekly mail service between Napier and Wairoa, as the present postal communication is so uncertain owing to the bar at the entrance of the Wairoa River, the state of which often necessitates the mail being taken back to Napier. I am directed to report that the subject-matter of this petition is one for the consideration of the Postmaster-General. T. Kelly, sth December, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of A. Reid, of Lyttelton. The petitioner prays that compensation may be given him for loss of office under the Provincial Government as Harbour Pilot. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that, as the petitioner is employed by the Lyttelton Harbour Board, he is not entitled to compensation for loss of office under the Provincial Government of Canterbury. T. Kelly, sth December, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of W. R. Russell and J. D. Ormond, of Hawke's Bay. The petitioners pray that the Standing Orders with reference to private Bills may be suspended, with the view of dealing with a matter of urgency in connection with a dangerous swamp in Napier by legislative enactment this session. I am directed to report that, as the House has already dealt with this matter, the Committee do not consider it necessary to make any recommendation. T. Kelly, sth December, 1877. Chairman.

Report on Petition of 20 Freeholders and Leaseholders of the Waikari, Hueunui, and Amuei Districts. The petitioners pray that the northern line of railway may be extended through their district by the Weka Pass, as the most direct route to tho West Coast. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the subject-matter of this petition is a question for the consideration of the Government. T. Kelly, sth December, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of 10 Residents of the Thames. The petitioners pray that the Te Taupiri Block of 2,142 acres may be given them as a special settlement on deferred payment. 1 am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. T. Kelly, sth December, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of W. Knight. The petitioner states that he was called on to work two additional hours per day as Clerk in the Railway Engineer's Office, Christchurch, and that he left his employment, and received no compensation. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make in the petitioner's case. T. Kelly, sth December, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of Thomas Johnston Jones. This is the second petition from the petitioner this session, complaining of breach of agreement by the Agent of the Provincial Government of Nelson, relating to the Karamea Settlement. I am directed to report that the Committee are unable, from want of time, to make inquiry into the cases to enable a decision to be arrived at; and, as it appears that the petitioner was not examined before the Commission appointed to inquire into the management of the Karamea Settlement, the Committee are of opinion the case is one for the Government to deal with. T. Kelly, sth December, 1877. Chairman.