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Repoet on Petition of the Peesident and Members of the Noeth Canteebury Racing Committee. The petitioners pray that greater power be conferred on the Race Committee over the Recreation Reserve No. R 1563, used as a racecourse, so that permanent improvements can be made, and entrance fees charged on racing days. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the petition should be referred to the Government, with tho view of giving effect to the wishes of the petitioners. T. Kelly. sth December, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of W. Ratteay, Auckland. The petitioner prays that his claim of £33 16s. Bd. against the Government, for forty-two days' rent of premises leased by him to the Government, be paid. It appears that the Government, on the 26th November, 1872, agreed to rent premises in Shortland Street from petitioner from date of occupation at a rental of £250 per annum, the leaae to be terminated by the Government giving three months' notice in writing. On 3rd December, 1872, the Government agreed that the petitioner should appoint a qualified person to act in conjunction with Mr. E. Beasley in estimating the value of the fittings in the building, for the purpose of leaving them in the same condition in which they were found by the Government. On August 31st, 1874, the Government gave three months' notice that the premises would not be required after the 30tli November. It was subsequently arranged that the premises should be given up on the 31st December, 1874. It appears that the arbitrators did not make an award till 11th February, and the question is whether the Government ought to pay rent for the forty-two days between the 31st December and the 11th February. The agreement was that the premises were to be left in the same condition as when taken over by the Government. This agreement was not carried out. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that, as the petitioner had not beneficial occupation of the premises, owing to the action of the Government, till 11th February, 1875, he is entitled to the rent claimed. T. Kelly, 7th December, 1877. Chairman.

Report on Petition of 195 Settlers of Waikato District. The petitioners pray that the case of Dr. Carey's dismissal from the Constabulary be taken into consideration on ground of former services. I am directed to report that the Committee cannot recommend the prayer of the petitioners to the favourable consideration of the House, as the colony has already remunerated Dr. Carey for his services. T. Kelly, 7th December, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of 29 Membees of the Ancient Oedee of Foresters, Palmerston Norm The petitioners pray that the trusts of an allotment of land, which was sold to the Society by the Government at a nominal price for the benefit of the society, be altered, so as to allow of the sale of the land without paying the price of £200 named in the deed. I am directed to report that the Committee consider that it is not desirable to comply with the request of the petitioners, as it would practically be altering the original trust under which the land is held. T. Kelly, 7th December, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of J. S. Ceoss. The petitioner states that he holds the office of Chief Harbourmaster of the Port of Nelson, and has been so engaged under various Governments since 1841; that some years ago he applied for a pension under " The Civil Service Superannuation Act, 1561," but was informed that his case did not come within the provisions of that Act. He prays that his case may be taken into consideration. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make on the subject-mat-ter of this petition. T. Kelly, 7th December, 1877. Chairman.

Report on Petition of J. D. Feasee. The petitioner prays that a deposit of £200 made by him in the Public Works Department on tendering for the Marton Railway be refunded to him. I am directed to report that the Committee see no reason to alter the decision come to during the last session on the case of the petitioner. T. Kelly, 7th December, 1877. Chairman. 6—l. 2.