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the importation of sheep from America, and petitioner is therefore prevented importing the sheep bought by him in America. That, as no disease exists in the district jn which the sheep are, or in any district through which they] will have to pass, he prays that his case be taken into consideration, and relief granted him. I am directed to report that, as the purchase of the sheep was made before the Order in Council prohibiting the importation of sheep into New Zealand from America was issued, and taking into consideration all the special circumstances of the case, the Committee recommend that the sheep be allowed to be landed, subject to the usual quarantine restrictions. T. Kelly, 15th October, 1877. Chairman.

Report on Petition of 95 Freeholders of Wallace County. The petitioners pray that "The Counties Act, 1576," be amended by increasing the number of members constituting a County Council to 14 or 15, and that the Chairman be elected by the ratepayers. I am directed to report that, as the subject-matter of this petition is a question of policy, the Committee have no recommendation to make. T. Kelly, 15th October, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of 108 Settlers of the Western District of Otago. The petitioners pray that the Otautau and Riverton line of railway be continued to Nightcaps, as it could be constructed at less cost than by the Winton route, aud would run through thousands of acres of the finest land in the province. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that this is a question for the consideration of the Government. T. Kelly, 15th October, 1877. Chairman.

Repoet on Petition of E. T. Beissenden. The petitioner states that he was employed as land purchase agent by the Government, and that there is a large balance of money due to him from the Government which he cannot recover. He prays that an inquiry be made, and relief afforded him. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that, as this case is one of disputed account, it should be referred to the Select Committee on Public Accounts. T. Kelly, 16th October, 1877. Chairman.

Report on Petition of Mrs. M. A. Kelly, of Auckland. TnE petitioner prays that consideration be given her on account of services rendered by her late husband in introducing and perfecting the numerical system of registration. I am directed to report that the Committee are of opinion that the case of the petitioner, together with the report of the Committee in 1875 and 1876, should be referred to the Government for consideration. T. Kelly, 19th October, 1877. Chairman.

Report on Petition of Henry Smythies. The petitioner states that all the material allegations contained in an affidavit made by James Ure Russell, and laid on the table of the House last session, have been proved to be false. He prays that the said affidavit be expunged from the proceedings of the House. I am directed to report that the Committee have no recommendation to make in the petitioner's case. T. Kelly, 19th October, 1877. Chairman.

Report on Petition of the Dunedin, Peninsula, and Ocean Beach Railway Company (Limited), and the Kaitangata Railway Company. The petitioners state that they are anxious to increase the amount of their capital, but find it difficult to do so, owing to stringent and unfair provisions of the Acts under which they were formed, which enables the Government to purchase the railway at a valuation not exceeding cost price. They also wish to have the right of exercising running powers on tho Government lines at rates somewhat under ordinary charges. They pray for relief.