1.—2.

40

Repoet on Petition of David Ross, Architect, Dunedin. The petitioner states that he has a claim against the Provincial Government of Otago for service rendered as Architect, which claim the Government declined to pay. He prays that his case be taken into consideration, and relief afforded him. I am directed to report that, as it appears from the evidence before the Committee that the petitioner's claim has been entered into and dealt with by the Provincial Government of Otago, the Committee do not consider that he is entitled to a greater sum than that offered him, namely, £42 195., and recommend that the balance (if any) be paid him. T. Kelly, 7th December, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of E. H. Powee. The petitioner states that he was entitled to a Crown grant for an allotment of land in Clyde, but that a certificate of title was issued by the Land Transfer Department for the allotment to one James Hazlett without petitioner having signed a deed of transfer. He prays for redress. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend the Government to make inquiry into this case, the petitioner having failed to produce evidence to enable the Committee to arrive at a decision. T. Kelly, 7th December, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of 104 Ownees and Occupiebs of Land in the City and Neighbourhood of Auckland. Petitionees pray that they may have direct access to the Wynyard Pier by means of a foot-bridge over the railway. I am directed to report that the Committee see no reason to alter the decision they came to last session on this case. T. Kelly, 7th December, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of John Buchanan and Joseph Rhodes. The petitioners are members of the Oero Road Board in the District of Hawke's Bay, and they complain that the boundaries of the road district was altered by Order in Council without their knowledge or sanction. They pray that the matter be investigated, and the former boundary restored. I am directed to report that, as the alteration of the boundaries of the Oero Road District was made without the knowledge or consent of the Board, the Committee are of opinion that the original boundary may be restored, and, if an alteration of such boundary is deemed necessary, it be made after the objections of the persons interested have been heard and considered. That the rates paid (if any) by the owners of the Mangakuri Block to the Tamumu Road Board be paid over to the Oero Road Board. T. Kelly, 7th December, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of 322 Inhabitants of Oxfoed and Malveen. The petitioners pray that the railway be extended from Oxford to Malvern. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the District Railways Bill makes provision for the construction of lines of this character. The Committee have therefore no recommendation to make. T. Kelly, 7th December, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of 74 Inhabitants of Uppee and Lower Mouteee. The petitioners pray that the House will vote a sufficient sum of money to aid in draining the Moutere Valley. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that this is a question to be dealt with by the local governing body. T. Kelly, 7th December, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of 364 Ratepayees of Waimea, Nelson. The petitioners state that the Wairoa Bridge is in a state of decay in a highly dangerous condition. They pray that the House make provision for a new bridge. I am directed to report that, as this bridge is in such a condition as seriously to endanger the safety of the Government Railway Bridge, the Committee recommend the prayer of the petitioners to the consideration of the Government. T. Kelly, 7th December, 1877. Chairman.