9

1.—2.

Eepoet on Petition of 870 Meechants, Manufactueees, and Mechanics of Auckland. The petitioners pray that the raw material and skilled labour within the colony be utilized in the production of railway plant, and thus provide more remunerative employment for artisans, and prevent them leaving the colony. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of this petition involves a question of policy, the Committee do not consider it necessary to make any specific recommendation, further than to state that the representations of the petitioners are entitled to the serious consideration of the House. T. Kelly, 3rd September, 1877. Chairman.

Eepoet on Petition of Thomas Telfoed. The petitioner prays that additional remuneration be given him for the great responsibility and extra labour and expense involved in cleaning a flock of scabby sheep in the Wairarapa District, belonging to Natives. I am directed to report that the Committee recommend that the petitioner be paid reasonable expenses incurred in the eradication of scab in sheep belonging to Natives in the Wairarapa District, such expenses to be a charge on the Sheep Eate Fund. T. Kelly, 3rd September, 1877. Chairman.

Eepoet on Petition of Jane Beown. The petitioner states that her mother, who was an aboriginal native, held a piece of land in trust for her children, being a gift from the chief Tungia; that such land was subsequently included in a Government purchase and sold, the assurance being given that other land would be given in place of it; that no other land has been set aside by the Government; and she prays for relief. I am directed to report that, from the evidence before the Committee, it appears that the petitioner has established some claim ; the Committee therefore recommend that the petitioner's case be referred to the favourable consideration of the Government. T. Kelly, 3rd September, 1877. Chairman.

Eepoet on Petition of Eobeet Mowatt. The petitioner states that he was engaged in England to enter the service of the Government of New Zealand as an instructor in artillery, at the rate of pay of 6s. per day, believing that the usual allowances made in the army would be added; that such allowances have not been made; and he prays that relief be afforded him. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make on the subjectmatter of this petition. T. Kelly, 3rd September, 1877. Chairman.

Eepoet on Petition of Eesidents of Naseby, Otago, with respect to a Commonage. I am directed to report that the petition is informal, inasmuch as it is addressed to the Minister for Lands, and that no signature is attached to the petition within the meaning of the Standing Orders. T. Kelly, 3rd September, 1877. Chairman.

Eepoet on Petition of Inhabitants of Kaikouea with respect to Feeeets, Weasels, and Stoats. I am directed to report that this petition is informal, inasmuch that there is no signature to the petition within the meaning of the Standing Orders. T. Kelly, 3rd September, 1877. Chairman.

Eepoet on Petition of Eichaed T. Sheild (No. 1). The petitioner prays that compensation be awarded to him for damage done to his property by a railway embankment, which occasions damage to his land by damming back and diverting flood water into his property. I am directed to report that there is not sufficient evidence before the Committee to justify them in making any specific recommendation to the House on the petitioner's case. j. . JAELLY, 3rd September, 1877. Chairman.

Eepoet on Petition of Hauhau Teamway Company (Limited). The petitioners pray that compensation be awarded them for loss sustained by the traffic on their tramway bein"- injured by the construction of a road, while their conditions of contract with the County 2—l. 2.