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He prays that he may be allowed to return the 10s. in the pound which he received for the scrip, and be allowed to exercise the scrip, in the same way as others are now allowed, in the purchase of waste lands. I am directed to report that, as the petitioner has accepted the 10s. in the pound from the Government for his scrip, the Committee consider that he has no further claim for compensation. T. Kelly, 15th October, 1877. Chairman.

Report on Petition of Geoege Baetholomew Puedue. The petitioner states that he was summarily dismissed from the Otago Police Force after twelve years' service. He prays that au inquiry be instituted into his case, which he has hitherto failed to obtain. I am directed to report that it appears from the evidence before the Committee the petitioner has been hardly dealt with in being summarily dismissed from the Police Force without an inquiry into the circumslances w-hich led to his dismissal. The Committee, therefore, recommend that a full inquiry be made by some competent and impartial person who is not connected with the Police Force. The attention of the Government and the person making the inquiry is specially directed to the letter marked " Confidential," and signed " W. G. Fox," dated " 7th February, 1876," and the indorsement thereon, signed "T. K. Weldon, 10th February, 1876." T. Kelly, 15th October, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of 101 Paeents, Householders, and Residents in Dunedin. The petitioners express au opinion in favour of giving religious instruction in the public schools of the colony. I am directed to report that this petition is informal, as it is not signed by any petitioner within the meaning of the Standing Orders. T. Kelly, 15th October, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of James Polyblank King. The petitioner prays that, in consideration of the fact that he was debarred from continuing to practise as a medical man in Otahuhu by " The Medical Practitioners Act, 1869," the preseut Medical Practitioners Act be amended so as to afford him relief. I am directed to report that the petition be referred to the Government for consideration. T. Kelly, 15th October, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of James Neil. The petitioner states that, while in the employ of the Government at Taranaki, felling bush, a tree fell upon him, which so injured him as to make him a cripple for life. He prays that recompense be given him. I am directed io report that, as the petitioner received serious injury whilst in the employ of tho Government, tho Committee consider that he should be employed by the Government on some light work for which he is suitable, either in Taranaki or elsewhere. T. Kelly, 15th October, 1877. Chairman.

Report on Petition of Joseph Harding. The petitioner prays the House to investigate the circumstances which led to the refusal to him of a license for tho refreshment-rooms of the Queen's Theatre, Dunedin, by the Licensing Bench. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make iv the petitioner's case. T. Kelly, 15th October, 1877. Chairman.

Report on Petition of Donald Cameron. The petitioner prays that he be relieved from a contract for carrying the mail between the towns of Hokitika and Greymouth by coach, on the ground that a tramway lately opened has diverted the passenger traffic. I am directed to report that this question is one for the consideration of the Postmaster-General, and not for this Committee. T. Kelly, 15th October, 1877. Chairman. 4—l. 2.