41

1.—2,

Repoet on Petition of M. L. B. Nelly, Hokitika. Petitionee states that he has been deprived of the use of one eye by the splash from a bullet while engaged as a marker during the Colonial Prize Firing at Hokitika last year; and he prays that his case be taken into consideration. I am directed to report that, from the evidence taken by the Committee, and from examining a certified plan of the target, butt, and general arrangements connected with the prize firing at Hokitika, tho Committee are of opinion that, though the petitioner was further out of the butt than was absolutely necessary when he was wounded by a splash from the target to the right, yet the Committee consider that even if the petitioner had been in the right position, owing to the construction and position of the butt, he would have been liable to injury in the same manner. The Committee are therefore of opinion that the petitioner is entitled to some compensation for the injury he has sustained. T. Kelly, 7th December, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of 81 Inhabitants of Palmeeston NoETn. The petitioners pray that the Wellington and Masterton Railway be connected with the West Coast Railway by way of Waikanae. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of this petition has been fully considered and reported on by a Select Committee of the House, this Committee do not consider it necessary to offer any opinion. T. Kelly, 7th December, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of the Members of the Ashley, Mandeville, and Rangioea Road BoaedsThe petitioners pray that the Ashley Railway Bridge be made available for dray traffic. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Minister for Public Works for his consideration. T. Kelly, 7th December, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of 381 Buegesses of the Boeough of Sydenham. The petitioners pray that a grant from the consolidated revenue be given to the borough, although rates will not become due during the current year. 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. 7th December, 1877. Chairman.

Report on Petition of J. C. R. Isheewood. The petitioner states that he was entitled to select land in the Province of Auckland as a retired officer from the Imperial Service, but has not yet received the land; that he subsequently served in the Volunteer Force, and commanded tho Wellington Veteran Corps while on active service in the Patea District, for which service he received no land. He prays that his case be taken into consideration. lam directed to report that-the Committee have no recommendation to make on the petitioner's case. T. Kelly, 7th December, 1877. Chairman.

Report on Petition of the Peesident aud Vice-Peesident of the Auckland Mechanics' Institute. The petitioners state that they received a sum of £200 per annum from the Provincial Government in aid of the institute, but since the abolition of provinces this aid has not been received. They pray that the House will take such steps as may be deemed necessary to give them relief. I am directed to report that, as a vote of £5,000 has passed the House to aid public libraries, the Committee are of opinion that the prayer of the petitioners may bo given effect to by a contribution from that vote. T. Kelly, 7th December, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of the Committee of Management of St. Maey's School, Nelson. The petitioners state that, in consequence of the passing of the Education Act this session, they are fleprived of the assistance which they formerly received from the Education Board of Nelson, and they pray that the principle affirmed by the House in the case of the Local Option Bill, of giving compensation where the effect of legislation is either to deprive any person of lawfully acquired property, or reducing that property in value, be applied to their case. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for their information. T. Kelly, 7th December, 1877. Chairman.

By Authority: OrEOBGE Didsbt/by, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB77. Price Is.]