1.—2.

16

I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of this petition affects the privilege of a member of the House, the Committee do not consider that it comes within the order of reference of the Committee. T. Kelly, 25th September, 1877. Chairman.

Report on Petition of William Fowlee. The petitioner states that the frontages to several allotments of land in the Town of Palmerston South have been cut off by the railway being constructed in front of him, and he prays for compensation. I am directed to report that, without questioning the authority of the Government to take railways along roads without giving compensation to persons whose frontages are affected thereby, the Committee are of opinion that in the present case the Government ought to provide petitioner with access to his property from the main road. T. Kelly, 25th September, 1877. Chairman.

Report on Petition of 205 Residents in Rangitikei. Report on Petition of 82 Residents of Manawatu. Report on Petition of 89 Residents of Sandon. The above petitioners are in favour of the Local Option Bill and the closing of publichouses on Sunday, and pray that the House give effect to their requests. I am directed to report that the Committee do not consider it necessary to offer any opinion to the House on the subject of these petitions. T. Kelly, 25th September, 1877. Chairman

Report on Petition of 91 Residents in the Hutt District. Report on Petition of the Presbytery of Dunedin. The above petitioners are favourable to the so-called religious clauses in the Education Bill, and pray that they be retained. I am directed to report that the Committee do not consider it necessary to offer any opinion to the House on the subject of these petitions. T. Kelly, 25th September, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of 95 Roman Catholics of Picton. Repoet on Petition of 310 Roman Catholics of Waikato and Coeomandel. Repoet on Petition of 259 Roman Catholics of Geealdine. Repoet on Petition of 210 Roman Catholics of Hawke's Bay. The above petitioners pray to be relieved from certain provisions contained in the Education Bill, which they allege will injuriously affect them. I am directed to report that the Committee do not consider it necessary to offer any opinion to the House on the subject-matter of these petitions. T. Kelly, 25th September, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of Feancis Edwaed Hamlin. The petitioner enumerates the services he rendered the Government during the war in the East Coast, when in command of a Native contingent, and prays that the House will take into consideration the said services and the hardships and privations which he has undergone, and for which he has received no special remuneration. I am directed to report that, as it appears that the petitioner has not made any claim for consideration to the Government, the Committee do not consider it desirable to make any recommendation to the House. T. Kelly, 25th September, 1877. Chairman.

Report on Petition of Coleman Phillips. The petitioner prays for special consideration, to be exempted from the operation of " The Native Land Court Bill, 1877." 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, 25th September, 1877. Chairman.