I.—l.

10

Inspectors also appears to have been made in two cases without the recommendation or knowledge of the Superintending Inspector, who could therefore have no opportunity to ascertain their fitness for the special work that they had to perform. Considering the important interests involved in properly administering the Sheep Department, which now includes the administration of the liabbit Nuisance Act, the Committee strongly recommend that it be placed forthwith under the control of one qualified officer, responsible to the Minister in charge, and that he be allowed such assistance as will enable him to conduct the business of the office when absent from Wellington. 20th July, 1882.

No. 89. —Petition of Frank Hedges, Auckland. The petitioner states that a gun was stolen from the office of the Kaipara Steamship Company, Auckland, about March, 1880; that in May following a police officer came on board the steamer, of which petitioner was master, and took possession of a gun belonging to him ; that, although he proved to the satisfaction of the police that the gun was his property, be was arrested aud brought before the Eesident Magistrate at Auckland in June of the same year for stealing a gun, when the case was heard and dismissed ; that he was put to great inconvenience and expense amounting to £30. He prays for relief. lam directed to report: The Committee have no recommendation to make, as it is one for the Government to consider and deal with. 21st July, 1882. '

No. 17. —Petition of Kate Heaphy, late of Wellington. The petitioner states that she is the widow of the late Major Heaphy, and that he died after having had a pension granted him a few months before his death. She prays that under the circumstances she may be awarded a year's salary, £600. I am directed to report : The Committee cannot recommend the prayer of the petition to the favourable consideration of the House. 21st July, 1882.

No. 173. —Petition of John Leaf Wilson", Christohurch. The petitioner states that, through an error in transmitting a telegram, he was put to great trouble, annoyance, and expense, and lost £104, and prays the House for relief. lam directed to report: The Committee are of opinion that the petitioner has no claim against the colony for compensation on account of loss sustained by mistakes in sending a telegram. 21st July, 1882.

No. 93.—Petition of G. D. Mooee and Others, Winton. The petitioners pray that a line of railway may be constructed from Winton to Nightcaps. No. IGS. —Petition of Chahles Bell and Others, Lower Waikato. The petitioners pray that wharfage charges at Mercer Bay be abolished. No. 210.—Petition of James Tuenbtjll and Others, Wairiri Valley. The petitioners pray for a railway from Oxford to Teinuka. No. 213. —Petition of Charles Hood and Others, Waikouaiti. The petitioners pray for a breakwater at Waikouaiti Bay. lam directed to report: The Committee are of opinion that these petitions be referred to the Government for consideration. 25th July, 1882.

No. 241. —Petition of H. Hotosell and Others, Nelson. The petitioners pray that a central line of railway may be constructed. No. 275. —Petition of J. G. Campbell and Others, Waipu. The petitioners pray for a tramway to Whangarei Harbour. No. 280. —Petition of John Giddy and Others, Tarurutangi District. The petitioners pray for aid in metalling district road. No. 289.—Petition of Heebeet Langfoed and Others, Dovedale. The petitioners pray that £500 be granted for road repairs. lam directed to report: The Committee are of opinion that these petitions be referred to the Government for consideration. 25th July, 1282.

No. 215.—Petition of Michael McCaetiiy and Others, Heriot Hundreds The petitioners pray that a railway may be constructed from Kelso to Heriot Burn. No. 216.—Petition of A. E. Mansford and Others, Miners, Otago. The petitioners pray for a bridge over the Molyneux, at Ettrick, No. 227.—Petition of A. W. Hubst and Others, Woodville. The petitioners pray for a bridge at the Gorge, and another over the Manawatu, at the Upper Perry.