1.—12b

RE POETS.

JOINT AGRICULTURAL, PASTORAL, AND STOCK COMMITTEE. (Hon. Mr. T. Kelly, Chairman.)

Fertilisers Bill. Tun Joint Agricultural, Pastoral, and Stock Committee, to whom was referred the above-mentioned Bill, have the honour to report that they have carefully considered the same, and recommend that it be allowed to proceed, with the amendments shown in the copy of the Bill attached hereto. (Vide also Appendix 1.-12.) 16th August, 1904.

AGRICULTURAL, PASTORAL, AND STOCK COMMITTEE. (Mr. Lawry, Chairman.)

Black-leg in Cattle. The Agricultural, Pastoral, and Stock Committee, to whom were referred the question of "black-leg" in cattle, have the honour to report as follows : — (1.) That it is expedient that effect be given to the recommendations of the Department as to the enforcement of quarantine in the district mentioned —namely, " the district lying between the Wanganui and Mokau Rivers, or within a larger or lesser area as circumstances may require." (2.) That it is expedient that vaccination be enforced within an area to be described in the Gazelle, being the area within which the disease is known to exist. (3.) That in the area aforesaid prescribed, or any affected area, the owners be required to burn the carcases of all animals found dead from disease. (Vide also Appendix 1.-12 a.) 30th August, 1904.

Farriers Bill. The Agricultural, Pastoral, and Stock Committee, to whom was referred the Farriers Bill, have the honour to report that they have carefully considered the said Bill, and they recommend that it be allowed to proceed with the amendments as shown on a copy of the Bill attached hereto. 30th September, 1904.

No. 743. —Petition of James Topham and 129 Others. Petitioners pray that some alteration may be made in the Stock Act Amendment Act relating to compensation for condemned cattle. I have to report that the Committee is of opinion that this petition should be referred to the Government for consideration. 30th September, 1904.

No. 874.—Petition of T. R. Walton, of Petone, Wellington. Petitioner prays for an inquiry into the facts of his dismissal. I am directed to report that the Committee has no recommendation to make. 30th September, 1904.

No. 492.—Petition of Donald Kerr. (No. 1.) Petitioner prays that his claim be referred to arbitration. I have to report that the Committee recommends that the matter be referred to the Public Trustee (Mr. Poynton) for his decision, and that no further evidence be taken, the decision of the Public Trustee to be final. 6th October, 1904.

No. 492.—Petition of Donald Kerr. (No. 2.) Referring to the report on this petition presented on the 6th October, 1904, I am directed to report that the Committee recommends that the same be referred to the Government with a view to effect being given thereto. 14th October, 1904.